Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils have got together with North Sea oil and gas operator Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd to launch a new DVD and education pack designed to help save young lives on the roads of north-east Scotland.

The firm funded the research, design and production of the Bus Stop! pack, which is aimed at school pupils from primary 1 to secondary 6 and is themed to increase the safety awareness of young people using public transport.

The DVD includes a poignant film featuring Aberdeenshire mother Carla Oldham, whose 15-year-old daughter Robyn died when she was hit by a car after getting off a school bus in September 2008.

The campaign will initially be delivered in schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and primary 1-4 pupils will receive a specially designed Bus Stop! reflective triangle and sign up to a "My Visibility" certificate.

A thought-provoking poster campaign will also be rolled out in schools to help enforce the safety message. 

Nick Walker, Talisman Energy's senior vice president, said in a statement: "The emphasis of Bus Stop! is to help young people understand the potentially fatal consequence of switching off, even for just one second, while crossing the road. 

"The DVD makes its point effectively and the accompanying film with Mrs Oldham is very moving.  Together they send a simple, yet powerful message to anyone who views them." 

Aberdeenshire Council director of education Bruce Robertson said: "After the loss of two of my pupils I was determined to look for a way to try and prevent another similar tragedy. 

"This pack can be used by every age group in our schools and everyone involved in putting it together has gone the extra mile to deliver an educational resource which is truly excellent."

John Tomlinson of Aberdeen City Council said: "The council is delighted to support the launch of this valuable teaching resource which will increase pupil awareness of personal safety. We wish to thank Talisman Energy for their support."