AN army of mosque marshals' have been enlisted to enable youngsters to cross one of Burnley's busiest roads.

More than 900 children have been helped to cross Colne Road, in Daneshouse and Stoneyholme, since the Safe Routes To Madrassa scheme was launched a month ago.

The marshals were drafted in by Burnley council following concerns by community leaders over the road safety dangers faced by youngsters visiting mosques each night.

Crossing points have been set up halfway along Colne Road, near Queensgate bus depot, and at the Abel Street and Daneshouse Road junction.

The scheme has seen children issued with high-visibility vests and an education programme undertaken with local Imams and the community.

Kaye Mahoney, the council's neighbourhood manager, said: "The scheme has been a real success.

"Every night there are now hundreds of youngsters safely crossing the road in their high visibility gear, with the support of the Mosque marshals, and people are more aware than ever of the importance of road safety."

The project has won the support of Lancashire County Council, Burnley police, East Lancashire Primary Care Trust and a number of mosques.

Ishtiaq Mohammed from campaigning group Positive Prospects, which has also been involved in the initiative, added: "This is a really positive project and I am proud we have been involved with residents and agencies.

"However it is important to note that this is not a replacement for parents. Parents have full legal responsibility for ensuring their children arrive at Madrassa safe and sound and the marshals are there for extra support, in addition to parents."

The mosque marshal patrols operate between 4.45pm to 5.15pm and 7pm to 7.15pm each weekday evening.

Richard Chipps, chairman of Thursby Gardens Community Action Group, said: "I cannot stress the importance of this project.

"It is a result of the concerns of people all across the community - drivers who feared they would cause an accident, parents who feared for their children's safety, and local community groups who for a long time, have urged for action."