A CAMPAIGN to ensure East Lancashire’s children are kept safe in cars has been taken to one of Burnley’s biggest employers.

Bosses at Warburton’s, Rossendale Road, have been conducting a week-long campaign on health and safety.

And a key part of the awareness drive have been presentations on the joint Lancashire Telegraph and Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety’s Wasted Lives and Belt Them In campaigns.

The bread giant’s executive director Brett Warburton launched the firm’s safety drive, which has included car safety, hazard perception tests and fire safety advice.

A Lancashire Partnership spokesman said: “Every year in Lancashire 260 families will be devastated by the actions of young drivers.

“Part of the ongoing Missing Matthew initiative is to work with parents of young drivers to combat this unacceptable number of young people who are killed and seriously injured on the counties roads.

“At Warburtons, staff were given an insight into the story of Ann and Terry Hannon, who lost their 22-year old son Matthew, when he was involved in a tragic collision.

“From this they will be armed with practical advice and actions to help their young drivers back home.”

Staff were shown the Wasted Lives young driver education programme DVD and partnership officers were on hand to answer questions.

Alan Beardsworth, factory manager, said: “Safety is an integral part of the Warburtons culture and this week is a celebration to mark our efforts to improve people’s perceptions about the root causes of accidents, how people can help them be prevented and to encourage interest in future safety initiatives.

“It’s all about getting our employees to think about how to keep healthy and safe, both in and out of work.”

The company has also been giving away free fruit and offering chances to win prizes such as gym passes, to promote healthy lifestyles.