Child casualties

Between March 2000-2001 there were five deaths 39 serious injuries A total of 44 casualties Between March 2001- 2002 there were three deaths 31 serious injuries A total of 34 casualties

Over the last two years, eight children have died as a result of road accidents in the North Wales Police force area.

Dr Sarah Horrocks, Consultant Community Paediatrician, Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust said: "Sadly, every year children are seriously injured, sometimes fatally, in road traffic accidents."

In this latest initiative parents of three-year-olds will be encouraged to register on a scheme which will entitle them to a series of books on road safety.

Dr Horrocks added: "I would urge all parents of children in Denbighshire, when invited in the month of the child's third birthday, to enrol their children on this exciting scheme.

We are delighted to be the first region in Wales to implement this scheme

David Morris, Denbighshire council

"When they do so, they will receive the colourful, age appropriate, booklets giving vital road safety information through the post at regular intervals."

Characters in the books such as Handy Hold, Larry Look and Lucy Listen will give road safety advice for children.

It is also aimed at teaching parents effective ways of communicating the important messages.

Denbighshire councillor David Morris said: "This is an excellent initiative, and we will all work closely in a determined effort to reduce the number of children injured on our roads.

"We are delighted to be the first region in Wales to implement this scheme."

Funding for the scheme has been provided by the Welsh Assembly.