Maidenhead & Windsor

Road safety "lessons" make a timely return to the Maidenhead school curriculum next week as the nights close in and youngsters head back to school after the half-term break.

Taking the seasonal "Be Bright, Be Seen" message to Maidenhead primary schools once again is Spike the road safety hedgehog, who comes out of his summer hibernation to stress the importance of wearing bright and reflective clothing during the autumn and winter months.

From covering himself in fluorescent and brightly-coloured accessories to get his message across last year, Spike is this time inviting pupils to join him on a hedgehog "treasure hunt" around the school playground to demonstrate how much easier it is to spot brightly-coloured pictures than dull ones – with prizes for the most hedgehog pictures collected.

Treasure-hunters will be lining up at the following schools:

Monday October 30 – Eton Porny First School (2.15pm)
Tuesday October 31 – Oakfield First School, Windsor (10.20am) and South Ascot Primary School (1.30pm)
Thursday November 2 – Kings Court First School (2.15pm)
Friday November 3 – Furze Platt Infant School (10.20am) and Wessex Primary School (2.15pm).

Back by popular demand for the older school pupils is the hard-hitting production "Legal Weapon," by the Ape Theatre company. First seen in all its thought-provoking glory last autumn, Legal Weapon continues the theme of the ongoing "For My Girlfriend" campaign to focus on the impact of speeding among young male drivers – and its all-too-often devastating consequences.

Pupils at four Maidenhead borough schools are scheduled to experience the interactive production complete with high energy music and dance on:
· Tuesday October 31 – Charters School, Sunningdale (8.50 – 9.50am)

· Wednesday November 1 – Altwood School, Maidenhead (10.25 – 11.25)
and Newlands Girls' School, Maidenhead (2.35 – 3.35pm)
· Friday November 3 - Desborough School, Maidenhead (9 – 10am).

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead road safety, said: "These are very valuable lessons for young people of all ages – and particularly timely with the clocks going back this weekend, leading to darker morning and evenings for the next few months.

"We all need to think very carefully about the increased potential for accidents at this time of year, and anything which can heighten this awareness has got to be a very worthwhile lesson."

For further information about these roadshows contact Philippa Baxter, road safety officer, on 01628 796577.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead