Children are being given wrong advice about cycling on the pavement, according to police.

While parents often tell youngsters not to ride in the road because of heavy traffic, police and community leaders want them off the pavements to keep pedestrians safe.

Pc Jeff Gibson of Wallingford Police says the problem is particularly acute in Benson, where a 78-year-old lady was struck last month by two boys racing along the pavement.

Olive Andrews, of High Street, Benson, was badly shaken by the incident after being knocked into the road between parked cars.

Mrs Andrews had been to see a parish councillor to complain about cyclists on the pavement when the accident happened. Pc Jeff Gibson, the area beat officer, said parents' advice was part of the problem.

He said: "Recently I stopped two youths aged about 11 or 12. They said they had been told by their parents to cycle on the pavement. That may be safe advice for the kids but it's not good advice."

Police are to clamp down by giving verbal warnings and talking to the children's parents.

But parents are not confident their children will be safe on the roads.

Carol Rhodes, of Crown Lane, Benson, only lets her five-year-old daughter cycle on the pavement.

A cycle lane might improve safety for the children and everyone involved, she added.