Pembrokeshire's school crossing patrol officers have been kitted out for the winter, thanks to a deal between Texaco and the county Ccouncil.

The oil giant has pledged £9,000 towards road safety in the county over the next three years.

Some of the money will be spent on new uniforms for Pembrokeshire's 66 lollipop men and women.

Crossing patrol officers will also be handing out stickers and badges to children who cross the road carefully.

The road safety initiative, which has the slogan 'take it slow, children on the go,' was launched at County Hall, Haverfordwest, by County Council chairman, Clr. Mrs. Rosemary Hayes.

She said: "Like Texaco, the county council takes the importance of children's safety very seriously."

The authority's drector of transportation and environment, Huw Roberts, told guests, which included pupils from St. Mark's School in Merlins Bridge, that Texaco's association with road safety was a long-standing one.

He went on: "The company is involved in the Pembrokeshire Child Injury Prevention Group and have contributed to the current 'Speed Kills' campaign. We value the relationship which the council has developed with Texaco."

Denise Hicks, of Texaco's Pembroke plant, added: "We are very proud of our safety record at the refinery and it is entirely appropriate that we should be involved in this initiative."