SCHOOLCHILDREN have put pen to paper to design posters with safety messages that aim to keep shoppers safe in the run up to Christmas.

Pupils at the Federation of Abbey Schools, in Abbey Road, Darlington, created the posters as part of a campaign by the business improvement district, Distinct Darlington, to raise awareness of personal safety for those visiting and working in the town centre.

The posters created by the year three, four and five pupils will be displayed in shops around the town and were entered into a competition with eight-year-old Harry Sanderson winning a £25 voucher for The Art Shop, in Bondgate, for the best poster.

Distinct Darlington manager Alex Hirst said: “You are never too young to learn about the sensible precautions you can take to keep yourself safe, particularly as the town centre gets busier in the run up to Christmas.

“We’ve been amazed and very impressed with all the children’s efforts and the awareness they have on keeping safe but the winning entry stood out for the skill of the drawing and the strength of the message.”

Amanda Gledhill, deputy head teacher at the school, said: "We were pleased to have the opportunity to have contact with the wider community beyond our school.

“The children became aware of the safety messages that are relevant for the whole of Darlington and enjoyed the project because they knew that they were helping others to keep safe.”

For more information visit distinctdarlington.co.uk