PUPILS from schools in Teesdale are making personal contributions to road safety in their area.

The youngsters from 14 primary schools will have their drawings, names and the names of their schools included in leaflets produced to reinforce road safety messages.

The competition, which is the brainchild of Staindrop beat officer Peter Moore, is in its fourth year and is sponsored by local businesses.

PC Moore said: "The idea of the campaign is to fully involve the children and give schools their own personalised leaflets full of road safety tips.

"They are unique to individual schools and, hopefully, because they contain pictures produced by the youngsters themselves and their names are included, they won't be thrown out, but will be kept as useful road safety reminders."

Three winners have been selected from each of the schools and they were presented with their prizes by children's author Terry Deary at the weekend.

Prizes included a signed copy of the author's latest book and vouchers, with the overall winner and school receiving £100.

PC Moore said: "The number of road accidents involving children in Teesdale has reduced by just under 50 per cent since the campaign was first launched, proving it is very worthwhile.

"My aim is to see the figure fall even further."