Child safety zone scheme expanded

ESSENTIAL Edinburgh has unveiled an expanded child safe zone scheme which has already helped to reunite dozens of lost children with their worried parents.

The city centre's Business Improvement District company has announced an updated child safe zone to ensure the safety of children, and vulnerable adults, across its area in the city centre.

The St James Centre has been heavily involved in the project since it launched in 2009.

Last year, the initiative helped reunite more than 50 children with their guardians at the centre, and a further 16 in the first few months of this year.

The child safe zone scheme involves the distribution of free wristbands by retailers. The parent or carer writes their contact number on the wristband, which is then worn by the child or individual they are caring for.