Schoolchildren received a visit from their MP who campaigned for new railings to be installed to keep pupils safe.

The railings were fitted in November following concerns from teachers and parents at St Joseph Primary School, in Broadway, Barking that children could easily run out into the road and be hit by a car.

A school spokesman said: “The matter was brought up after a little girl ran over the road.

“She was fine, but a lot of teachers and parents felt a barrier was needed.

“It was taken to the board of governors who agreed that railings should be installed.

“The parents, teachers and children are all very happy that it has been put up.”

Barking MP Margaret Hodge visited the school last Thursday.

She said: “I’m really pleased I managed to get the new guardrail outside the school.

“The council was very helpful. They needed to buy a special drill so that they could drill into the granite footpaths. They went the extra mile to help.

“The Broadway is a very busy road. It is just opposite the Broadway Theatre and the Town Hall as well as being a main road leading into the town centre.

“The fencing will make it a safer place for the children who attend the school.”