A "dangerous" zebra crossing in Richmond will be made safer with traffic lights after a campaign by three primary schools.

Pupils, parents and teachers from Holy Trinity, Marshgate and St Elizabeth's primary schools collected signatures calling for action to make changes to the crossing between Sheen Road and Sheen Common Drive.

The three schools, all within less than a mile of each other, have more than 1,000 pupils between them and the existing zebra crossing is the only route across the busy main road for more than 1km in each direction.

The petition was handed to MP Zac Goldsmith in April last year and the issue was subsequently raised with councillors, prompting Richmond Council to approve the upgrade of the crossing.

The existing crossing will be fitted with traffic lights and the pavements will be widened, with work due to commence during the Easter holidays.

Mr Goldsmith said the signatories put forward a "compelling case" for the improvements and he was thrilled the council intended to act. Michele Marcus, vice-chairman of governors at Holy Trinity Primary School, said: "Holy Trinity School is delighted to have been part of local democracy in action.

"Thanks to the petition that we instigated, with the support of other local schools, the new crossing will make the walk to and from school a safer experience for hundreds of children every day."

Councillor Stephen Speak, cabinet member for highways, said it was an excellent example of how the community could initiate change.