PUPILS at St Mark’s Primary have been issued with hi-vis vests to help them stay safe on the walk to and from school during the dark winter months.

Youngsters gathered for an assembly on road safety, where they received important advice on avoiding accidents.

And each child was given a high-visibility vest, donated by the Barrhead branch of Specsavers.

Road safety has been a key concern for school staff, pupils and parents following a number of frightening incidents involving careless driving.

Now that kids are likely to be making their journey to and from lessons in the dark, concerns have been heightened.

Store director Gail Thompson and Mitchell Fairley, one of the store’s opticians, were delighted to meet the children and deck them out in the vests that will ensure they will be seen even on the darkest day.

Ms Thompson said: “Lending support to schools in the local community is a natural fit for us because we are passionate about learning and education.

“Prior to visiting St Mark’s Primary, we were aware of road safety concerns around the school, including the problem of parked cars blocking the view of other motorists, and we wanted to help.

“Our donation of high-visibility vests is a simple and effective way of doing that – better ensuring youngsters are seen, particularly with the dark winter months now upon us.

“It was fantastic to be able to attend the assembly at St Mark’s and listen to the pupils’ interest in learning about road safety issues. We were also delighted to be able to provide the whole school with vests.”

Worried parents have been urging council chiefs to address the issue of road safety at the school.

READ MORE: St Mark's parents worry over drivers outside Barrhead school

A petition has been launched, calling on East Renfrewshire Council to transform the derelict Arthurlie Family Centre next door into a safe drop-off/pick-up zone for pupils.

The petition, titled ‘St Mark’s Traffic Options Petition (STOP)’, can be found online at 38degrees.org.uk.