A GROUP of local schools and Great Yarmouth day services centre have been recognised for helping students and users become independent travellers.The high schools, special schools and Red Balloons day services centre were awarded an excellence mark in Norfolk County Council's Travel Independence Training Across the Nation programme.

A GROUP of local schools and Great Yarmouth day services centre have been recognised for helping students and users become independent travellers.

The high schools, special schools and Red Balloons day services centre were awarded an excellence mark in Norfolk County Council's Travel Independence Training Across the Nation programme.

Other winners included Acle High School, Caister High School and Great Yarmouth High School

Launched in 2006, the Titan scheme has given hundreds of young people the skills and confidence to access public transport and be safe pedestrians.

The programme works over three stages, red, amber and green, with students moving to the next colour as they progress.

It ensures they can safely cross the road, ask for help and develop the skills to board a bus to their home, school or town.

The project has been so successful in Norfolk it has been rolled out nationwide.

County Council cabinet member for children's services Alison Thomas said: “We want young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and those who are vulnerable for other reasons, to be able to access education, employment and social opportunities, just like any other students.

“This helps enrich the lives of Norfolk's youngsters and gives them access to opportunity that they may otherwise miss.”