YOUNGSTERS at Andover Baptist Church Pre-School Playgroup in Andover have been given vital lessons in cycle safety from staff at Halfords.

Halfords' Bikehut department manager Paul Rolfe and sales assistant Anthony Brown spent time explaining to the children the importance of wearing cycle helmets, demonstrating the correct way to wear them and showing the huge variety of styles and designs.

Staff were particularly impressed with the Met Buddy design, which can be adjusted to fit any size.

The pupils had the chance to try on the helmets while Paul and Anthony explained why they had to fit properly and the reason why it was so important for them to wear one.

Manager Dorothy Page organised the visit and was pleased some of children already had bike helmets.

"It's a safety thing," she said. "We've just had our transitional Ofsted report and we're following on from that.

"It's a brilliant idea to get the children wearing cycle helmets so young and makes it easier for parents if the children have to wear them when riding the bikes here."

Halfords have offered the playgroup children and their parents a 10 per cent discount on all helmets purchased.