School children in Otford and Shorehamhave designed more than 40 road safety posters in an effort to encourage motorists to drive more responsibly.

A competition was held among pupils at Otford Primary School and Shoreham Village School to come up with the best ideas to deter speeding and dangerous parking.

Kent Police Community Support Officer Jane Wrightand Sevenoaks district councillor Michelle Lowe presented prizes on on November, 24, which were donated from local businesses and included scooters for the two winners.

PCSO Wright said: "The children at Otford have produced some fantastic work to highlight the problem of speeding around their school.

"Likewise, we have also seen some brilliant entries at Shoreham where inconsiderate and thoughtless parking can present real dangers to pupils as they walk to and from school."

PCSO Wright added: "It is so important that all road users play their part in reducing the numbers of serious collisions on our roads and I particularly hope that this will remind people to take extra care when they are driving near schools."

A total of 41 posters were designed by pupils from both schools and the winning entries will be displayed on local notice boards, car parks and in shop windows.

Otford pupil, Georgia Clifton, aged 10, won first prize for her colourful depiction of the village centre alongside a ‘no speeding’ slogan.

The judges, including local councillors, police officers and traders agreed the winning poster at Shoreham Village School was by Keertika Senthilkumar, aged 10, who urged drivers to park sensibly and not leave vehicles on corners or narrow parts of roads.

Cllr Lowe, Sevenoaks District Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: "This was a fun competition that not only helps children understand the dangers of being near a road but also raises awareness of road safety with parents and drivers.

"All the children produced great posters and I was really proud to present the winners with their prizes.’