A generous gift from a local company will help children stay safe while walking to and from school this winter.
 
In a joint initiative with the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Isle of Man Constabulary, Ellan Vannin Fuels has purchased reflectors for all 6,200 primary school pupils.
 
The reflectors will be distributed to all 34 primaries in the next few days.
 
Giving out the first of the reflectors at Scoill yn Jubilee in Douglas today, Andy Sweetman, Sales and Marketing Manager of Ellan Vannin Fuels, said: ‘We have been working closely with the Safer Schools team over the last couple of years on projects focused at young people. It is very rewarding to be involved and to see that the support we offer is used in such an important area of our community.
 
‘Increasing the visibility of our children and helping to keep them safe during the dark winter months is something I am sure is close to all our hearts.’
 
Constable Mike Griffiths of the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, which is based at Lord Street police station, said: ‘As the nights are drawing in, it is important to be seen on the roads. These reflectors will help keep children safe as they attach them to either clothing or bags.
 
‘If pedestrians wear or attach something reflective to their clothing they can been seen up to three times more than somebody who doesn’t and this gives drivers the chance to see and, more importantly, react to their presence.
 
‘This is an ambitious campaign, supplying more than 6,000 children with reflectors to keep safe through the winter months, and we thank Ellan Vannin Fuels for its support.’
 
Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘Ellan Vannin Fuels has already generously supported a number of anti-bullying initiatives and we are grateful for its latest gesture, which will ensure our children can be more easily seen by drivers during the gloomiest months of the year.’
 
Photo caption - Pupils of Scoill yn Jubilee Infants with, from left, Andy Sweetman, Sales and Marketing Manager with Ellan Vannin Fuels, which has kindly purchased reflectors for all primary pupils, Juan Turner MLC, a political member of the Department of Education and Children, and Constable Mike Griffiths of the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team.