A 9-year-old hopes to stop traffic with her rainbow road crossing, which is the first in Kent.

Pupils from St Mary's Island Primary School, in Island Way West, were all invited to design a funky, colourful zebra crossing to help road safety.

But it was Aina Serra Tubau's rainbow road crossing, filled with bright colours and stars, that came out on top.

Her bold creation has been turned into a reality, by road building company Thames Hydro Blasting.

Aina said: "I wanted my drawing to be bright and colourful so it would stand out and people would see it.

"I was really surprised to win but very happy. I felt really proud to see my picture on the raised crossing , it looks just like my design.

"When it was completed my family and I walked across it.

"It felt really exciting!

"I hope people use the crossing to stay safe."

Headteacher of St Mary’s Island Primary School Christine Easton, said: “The school always takes part in all the competitions run by Medway Council regarding road safety as it is paramount that our children keep safe in all situations they are faced with.

"The crossing will make a huge difference and it reinforces the importance of making sure you are safe along the roads on your way to and from school.”

The crossing was officially launched yesterday and pupils took council officials across the road to give it a try.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Andrew Mackness, (con), said: “We have listened to local residents and I’m pleased the new crossing has been installed. The safety of our young people is incredibly important and I look forward to seeing new colourful crossings being built in the future.”

Cabinet member for front line services Cllr Phil Filmer (con) said: “Road safety is very important, especially near our schools. The road safety team works with schools all year round to ensure Medway’s young people are aware of the dangers of the road.”