Be streetwise and look out for children.

WEST Midlands Ambulance Service is appealing to parents, guardians and children to keep safe whilst they are having fun in the sun.

Summer is always enjoyable and a time when children like to meet up with their friends, explore and play in their local area. Everyone should be aware that, during the summer months, more children will be playing in the streets of their local community.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "Cycling is a great way to have fun, but it is not always easy for drivers to see children on bicycles, especially if they are zipping in and out of parked vehicles."

Drivers should look out for children crossing the road on foot. Pedestrians and cyclists also have a responsibility to keep safe and are reminded to always follow the rules of the green cross code:Think! Find the safest place to cross, then stop.

Stop! Stand on the pavement near the kerb.

Use your eyes and ears!

Look all around for traffic and listen.

Wait until it is safe to cross! If traffic is coming, let it pass.

Look and listen! When it's safe, walk straight across the road.

Arrive alive! Keep looking and listening "Ice-cream vans are also likely to attract lots of children," said the spokeswoman.

"We remind drivers to be mindful of children around such vehicles and for children and their parents to be careful and vigilant."