CHILDREN spent a day learning important road safety lessons with the help of a visiting theatre company.

Year 6 pupils of William Stockton Community Primary School, Ellesmere Port, and Year 5 youngsters from Neston Primary School worked with Altru Theatre Company to create a ‘Play in a Day’.

The initiative – which combines role-playing and drama with road safety advice – is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Safe and Sustainable Travel Team.

The plays were performed before the whole schools, parents, council road safety officers and police community support officers.

Neston Primary School headteacher Rob Golding said: “The day was a huge success. The children, parents and staff were all so impressed with the work done in just one day.”

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “All the children had lots of fun building their skills including communication, confidence and problem-solving and – crucially – developing an understanding of road safety and walking, cycling or getting the bus as alternative to car trips.

“Because the children are actively involved in the learning process, the message is more embedded and much more likely to be retained and remembered.

“At the end of a very rewarding day the pupils performed their play to the rest of the school and their parents – providing a great peer learning opportunity and a fantastic sense of achievement for all involved.”

Little Neston and Burton councillor Louise Gittins added: “The children really enjoyed taking part and road safety is a very important topic.

“By creating their own play I am sure that they absorbed some crucial information which will help them whether they are walking or using a bicycle to and from school.”