When the clocks go back later this month it will signal the end of British Summertime and the start of more of us travelling in the dark.

Whether that’s to go to work or school, the gym, play a sport or a quick dash to the corner shop while walking the dog - the darker evenings put those moving around on foot in greater danger simply because pedestrians become harder to see by passing motorists.

In Medway 28 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in 2023 - six of those under the age of 16 - while a further 24 young casualties escaping with minor injuries.

And more than 60% of the collisions last year involving youngsters under 16, say Medway Council, took place during the morning rush hour between 8am and 9am and after-school from 3pm to 6pm.

So to help ensure the safety of children while they’re out and about this winter we’re bringing back our hugely successful Be Bright Be Seen campaign and - with the support of Medway Council’s Safety Team and Specsavers- we are giving away thousands of reflective keyrings to help children be more visible.

Following on from the outstanding success of previous promotions we've 3,000 specially-designed reflective discs and 1,000 high-visibility jackets to hand out this year to schools, clubs, sports teams and youth groups.

Alongside this we’re also reminding households about the small but very important steps they can also take at home to ensure their family members are visible when they leave the house at the start or end of the day - particularly once the clocks have gone back on Sunday, October 27.

During foggy and overcast days this means pedestrians and cyclists should wear something brightly coloured to make them stand out to drivers.

In the dark it should include something reflective so that individuals can be picked up by a vehicle’s headlamps as it passes and by other lights on paths and roads.

For those able to get their hands on our free keyrings these are specifically designed to be clipped onto children’s bags, coats, bikes or scooters but you can also use anything from armbands and stickers to reflective vests and tabards as well.

You can make an application for your keyrings and jackets at www.kmfm.co.uk/bebright

Teachers, teaching assistants, youth group leaders and sports coaches in Medway are all invited to apply.