A ROAD safety campaign has been given a major boost after the military might of Preston gave it their backing.

The Headquarters 42 (NW) Brigade, based at Fulwood Barracks in the town, is one of more than 300 organisations to commit to the recently-launched Together We Can Make the Difference initiative, part of the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety.

The brigade is responsible for training and influencing the good safety practice of thousands of military and civilian employees who use Lancashire's roads to carry out their duties.

Army personnel use a wide range of specialist vehicles which often have to be driven in challenging conditions, and figures reveal the accident rate within 42 (NW) Brigade has dropped significantly over the last four years.

Warrant Officer Ian Williams, the brigade's master driver, said: "Road safety is vital to military activities." The brigade's commander, Brigadier Mike Wharmby, pictured with Coun Nora Ward and Pte Newlands, said: "As the commander in the North West I may have a soldier killed on operations. I will almost certainly have a soldier killed as a result of a road traffic incident.

"We are fully committed to this initiative and are trying to make sure that any negligence is not on the part of one of my soldiers." As part of the Army's commitment, the Headquarters and its units will organise an annual road safety driving competition for its drivers, produce and issue monthly road safety bulletins, and gather statistics of road accident involving Army drivers or vehicles.

Make the Difference aims to contribute to road casualty reduction, raise awareness of a wide range of road safety issues and develop partnerships.

County Councillor Nora Ward, cabinet member of highways and transportation, said: "I am delighted that 42 Brigade is joining the many companies and organisations committed to improving road safety. I hope that more will follow their example."