MORE than 1,700 Thurrock youngsters took part in the council-organised Kerbcraft road safety skills training programme this year. 

The pupils came from more than 30 Thurrock primary schools and the scheme was run with the help of 93 adult volunteers.

The scheme sees children, aged five to seven, taken out in small groups to the roadside where they learn to find safe places to cross the road and ways of dealing with parked cars and junctions.

Recently, the volunteers who help train the children, were invited to a "Thank You" presentation and coffee morning at the council’s Civic Offices in Grays, where they were presented with certificates for taking part in the scheme.

They were also entered into a prize raffle draw, with donations from Wilkinson, QD Stores, Tesco and Lush.

The Kerbcraft scheme relies on dedicated volunteers who spend an hour and a half each week training the children.

Transport portfolio holder, Cllr Andy Smith, said: “Without the dedication and continued commitment of the volunteers like these, young children would not be taught the skills that could save their lives. “I would like to say a very big thank you to all of those involved in the project.”