A HOTLINE has been set up for parents to name the most dangerous roads for children in the North-west.

The Zak the Zebra hotline has been set up by Brake, the national road safety charity, to give advice to parents and try to reduce traffic accidents involving children.

Callers can submit the names of roads near schools and residential areas in the region which are a danger to children on foot or bicycles.

The number is 0800 068 7780, and the line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturday.

Road crashes are the biggest killer of children aged between 12 and 16 years old.

In 2003, 13 children under 16 were killed on foot in the North-west, and 311 were seriously injured.

Among them was Natalie Pickwick Jones, aged 15, who was walking home with two friends in Radcliffe in February 2004 when she was knocked down and killed.

Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake, said: "The death toll on our roads is appalling and not enough is being done to save our children's lives."