NEWSAGENTS and schools will be targeted in the latest scheme to protect newspaper boys and girls.

Fareham Borough Council voted last night to send out a booklet on the dangers involved in the job and the responsibilities of news-agents as well as carrying out spot checks.

Council chief environmental officer Garry White said the booklets would be sent out by the end of November to ensure they were read before the darkest days of winter.

"The project started off as cycle safety and visibility but we started looking into the loads that they have to carry and other issues that newsagents may not be aware of."

He said the booklet would contain information on health and safety laws as well as advice on working alone and road safety. It would be sent to parents as well as schools and newsagents.

Keith Watt, manager of Forbuoys newsagents in Bishopsfield Road, Fareham, said he welcomed the leaflet which would reinforce what he already told the seven newspaper boys and girls he employs.

"Our company takes it very seriously. I am always telling them to be careful but it is not easy to enforce."

As well as the leaflet, newsagents will be sent a risk assessment form which will ask them to look at health and safety and see how it can be improved.

If they do not return the form their businesses will be targeted by the council for inspection to make sure they are obeying the law