Thousands of primary school children across Cardiff and Penarth will be safer and more visible this autumn following a major donation from a group of opticians.
Five Specsavers shops have donated 7,500 high-visibility vests, worth £15,000, to every pupil aged four to seven in the communities they serve.
The first vests were handed out at Victoria Primary School in Penarth, where reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils became the first to receive them.
Amy Naish, retail director of Specsavers Cardiff Queen Street, said: "As locally owned businesses, we want to give back to the communities we’re part of.
"Specsavers has long championed road safety, and we hope this initiative will help children across Cardiff and Penarth stay visible on their journeys to and from school."
The scheme is part of the new Specsavers Sees Kids campaign.
Over the coming weeks, Specsavers teams will visit every primary school in the area to distribute the vests and share practical road safety advice.
To mark the launch, schools have also been invited to take part in a competition to design their own hi-vis vest.
Winners will receive book vouchers and classroom craft hampers.
Ms Naish said: "We’re really excited to see the creative side of pupils come through in the design competition.
"Children always have such brilliant imaginations, and we can’t wait to see their ideas for bright, bold vests that stand out and celebrate safety in a fun way."
Samantha Davies, headteacher at Victoria Primary School, added: "Road safety is an important skill for our pupils to learn from a young age.
"Specsavers’ vests will not only help keep children visible, but also start meaningful conversations with families about how to stay safe when out and about, especially with the darker evenings drawing in.
"We’re thrilled to be the first school to receive the vests and know our children will wear them with pride."
Specsavers in Cardiff offers a home visits service for individuals unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
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