Legacy of 'perfect little boy' saving lives 10 years after death

Joanne Colleran said her late son Bobby is "always with me" as she campaigns for child road safety

The mum of a "perfect little boy" killed by a van outside his school in 2014 says his legacy is still "making a difference" 10 years on.

Bobby Colleran, six, was struck in West Derby, Liverpool, as he walked with his mum, Joanne Colleran.

He later became the face of a campaign calling on drivers to "Slow Down for Bobby", aimed at introducing 20mph zones outside city schools.

Wednesday would have marked Bobby's 16th birthday.

Joanne described the milestone as "tough" for her family.

After Bobby died, Joanne launched the Bobby Colleran Trust which campaigns for increased road safety.

The charity recently delivered road safety packs to schools across Merseyside, aimed at teaching children the fundamentals of road safety.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Joanne said she began her campaign because she wanted to make sure "children were safe".

Bobby Colleran died after running out into a road and being struck by a van

Joanne said: "It touched so many people what happened to him, and I think one of the main things is it could be anyone, it could be any parent out there just going to school with their child."

Speaking about Bobby, she said: "Everyone thinks their children are perfect, but he was just the most perfect little boy.

"He kind of had everything. I always say he was so handsome and he was so funny, he had the most funniest little character, but he was really caring. And I think that's one of the things that keeps me going all the time because I know he would want me to be making a difference out there."

As well as the slow down campaign, the trust also provides a child bereavement support service called "Take Care for Bobby", aimed at supporting children and young people affected by grief and loss.

That side of the trust's mission came after Joanne saw how much Bobby's brothers - Harry, Frankie and Georgie - needed specialist counselling.

The Bobby Colleran Trust aims to teach children the basics of road safety

Joanne said: "Both of the campaigns we do, basically come from the heart and real life issues. It makes it important for me to do it."

Every year on 13 March, the trust also holds "Wear Blue for Bobby Day", calling on people to wear an item of blue clothing in his memory.

Joanne added: "I always say he does it with me, he's there with me making everyone safe."

The trust now has a permanent base behind Bobby's school, Blackmoor Park Infant School on Leyfield Road.