CONCERNED parents are calling for a crossing outside a primary school after a nine-year-old pupil was in collision with a car.

The incident happened in Barnsole Road, Gillingham, while the boy was on his way to Barnsole Junior School.

He hit the side of the car and is now recovering at home after receiving treatment at the Medway Maritime Hospital for severe bruising.

There is usually a lollipop lady on the busy road but she had called in sick and a replacement was not found.

One parent, Derek Kreiner, who has two pupils at the school, witnessed Tuesday's accident and stepped in to help children across the road.

He said: "The road is one of the busiest in the area and something needs to be done to make it safer for children. There is a pelican crossing on Sturdee Avenue, which is a less busy road, but we need one on Barnsole Road to stop any more accidents."

A spokesperson for Barnsole Junior School said: "A student in Year five was taken to hospital after a collision with a car before school. We understand that he is badly bruised but has been allowed home. We wish him a very speedy recovery and hope he returns to school soon.

"Regrettably our crossing officer was unwell and unable to perform her duties. We have since asked parents if they would be willing to be trained as reserves so we always have a road crossing patrol."