A RETIRED superhero returned to duty to help a modern road safety worker teach youngsters how to keep themselves safe.

David Prowse, who played the Green Cross Code Man for 14 years, visited Crosshill School, Blackburn, for the launch of Lancashire Constabulary's Buzzy Buzzy Bee DVD.

The yellow-and-black singing road safety mascot is the brainchild of Blackburn-based songwriter JC' and animator Brian McNulty, from Texas, featuring Police Community Support Officer Mark Dixon, who was also involved in the development of the film.

He worked with animators to create a cartoon sequence in which a police officer and Buzzy Buzzy Bee tell children about being safe and being seen near roads.

PCSO Dixon, who covers the Longshaw and Highercroft area of Blackburn, said: "Education is key to raising awareness of road safety amongst children and this DVD is a fun way for us to get a very serious message across."

He said the idea was one they had been working on for a couple of years and they were all keen to produce an animated DVD that would appeal to youngsters.

Artwork by Crosshill pupils also features in the DVD after they got involved in a poster competition.

Headteacher Mike Hatch said: "Staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed being involved. The tune is so catchy the pupils are regularly heard singing it."

The DVD was praised by 72-year-old Mr Prowse, who has spoken to half-a-million children as the Green Cross Code Man.

Mr Prowse, who also played Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, said: "Anything that improves road safety or gets children to look when they cross the road is good."

Blackburn MP and Justice Minister Jack Straw also attended the event. He said: "I remember road safety advice when I was young. This DVD is much more powerful."

About 1,000 copies of the DVD will be delivered to the town's primary schools and handed out at road safety events.

The project has been supported by organisations including Twin Valley Homes, Entertainment Distribution Company in Blackburn, and Andrew Brian of the Darwen Group. All three companies have each bought 1,000 DVDs for distribution.