PARENTS and carers in Redditch are being urged to follow social distancing guidelines when dropping off and collecting children from school.

Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Children First have introduced colourful lamppost wraps to remind people on the school run of the importance of social distancing.

The wraps will used on lampposts on the main paths approaching school gates and will be rolled out to around 200 schools across the county over the coming weeks - starting with primary schools with the biggest pupil population.

Chief executive of Worcestershire Children First, Catherine Driscoll, said: “Our schools and our children are doing a great job in helping to break the chain of infection.

"I’d like to ask for the support of parents and carers to keep to the social distancing guidelines at all times, keeping two metres apart from others, whilst dropping off and collecting children from school.

"By doing this, you can help stop the spread of the virus.”

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We hope these wraps will be a colourful reminder for those across the county who do the all-important school run to keep to the social distancing rules.

"By following this simple rule, along with washing hands and wearing a face covering where required, we can together all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus and keep us in the lowest tier of measures.

“Let’s continue our hard work to ensure we do not enter a higher risk level, resulting in tougher restrictions.”