MORE than 3,500 schoolchildren from across the south west took to the streets yesterday to raise awareness of the dangers pupils face on the region's roads every week.

According to Department for Transport figures there were 37 child road casualties in Bournemouth and 24 in Poole during 2017.

The department defines child road casualties as those seriously injured or killed.

For the same period in Dorset there were 89 child road casualties.

Wednesday's initiative, which saw youngsters walking to school, was organised by road safety charity Brake and the Ocado Foundation.

Brake community engagement manager Dave Nichols said: "Every child should be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution. Unfortunately, many kids are unable to do so because they don’t have access to simple measures such as footpaths, cycle paths and safe places to cross. Many more must contend with fast traffic and pollution from vehicle emissions. If we want children and their families to walk in the south west, then we need to make sure their journeys are safe.

"We are delighted that so many schools and children across the region agree with us on this and are taking part in Brake’s Kids Walk.

"Together we can raise awareness about the issues that matter to them and help make their roads safer.”