FREE bike helmets and lights have been donated to pupils at Holbury's Hardley School to ensure that they stay safe on local roads.

Staff at Fawley refinery's medicine and occupational health department spent £1,000 on the equipment when they sponsored the initiative.

They want to improve children's cycling safety on their journeys to and from the school.

The offer of free cycle helmets and bike lights was open to all children in years 7 to 10.

The refinery's medicine and occupational health team leader, Carol Bega, said: "We are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the safety of the local community."

School governor, Richard Fort, added: "The lights will make these cyclists more visible and the hat should help to minimise or eliminate head injury if any of them become involved in an accident, be it on the road or on tracks in the New Forest."