A clear message to slow down is being sent to motorists from Canterbury school children.

Pupils from the Littlebourne, Hersden and Sturry schools took part in the competition run by Kent Police and Kent County Council to design their own road safety poster.

The winning design from each school was then printed on a banner which will be put up near the schools warning drivers to reduce their speed.

The campaign is designed to reduce worrying figures, from road safety organisation Think! that shows 37 children a week were seriously hurt or killed on the roads in 2007.

Ch Insp Mark Harrison presented the winners with their banners along with a customised T-shirt incorporating the child’s design.

Top honours went to nine-year-old James Robinson from Littlebourne school, eight-year-old Danielle Edwards from Hersden School, and eight-year-old Paige Richardson from Sturry school.

KCC warden Ken Campbell joined police community support officer supervisor Dave Garland and Mr Harrison to present the youngsters with their prizes and remind the pupils of the importance of road safety.

Mr Harrison said: “This Safer Spring initiative was not only fun for the children but also gave us the opportunity to promote key messages about road safety. “Fatalities on the road are a tragic waste of life and if this action prevents just one accident from occurring it has been more than worthwhile."

Littlebourne teacher, Glynis Corey, added: "This was a great way to allow the children to be creative while learning about road safety.

"I am delighted that the police and Kent County Council were able to run their competition at our school."

Winner James Robinson said: “I was so happy to see my winning design on the banner.

“I was surprised and pleased to win, it is very important to cross the road properly and I think it has made us safer.”