Ryde schoolchildren helping police raise awareness of drink driving

Schoolchildren on the Isle of Wight are working with police to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-driving.

Year 6 pupils from 13 schools in the Ryde area have entered a competition to design a compelling and eye-catching campaign poster about the topic, with the winning entry being developed and distributed Island-wide this winter.

The competition was launched by the Ryde Neighbourhoods Policing Team (NPT) on 7 November, and will run until 29 November when entries will be judged by The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight Kay Marriott, Acting Chief Inspector Andy McDonald, and Annie Staley, whose granddaughter Evey was killed by a drink driver on the Island in August 2012.

The winning designer will then be announced on 9 December.

Sergeant Matt James, from Ryde NPT, said: “It is fantastic to see so many young people using their enthusiasm and creativity to develop something that conveys such an important message.

“As neighbourhood officers, we regularly visit local schools and meet with pupils. Competitions like these are a great learning tool for the children in terms of helping them understand road safety issues from a young age, but it also allows their voice to be heard in the community.

“I’m hoping that people will see these posters and think twice about getting behind the wheel when they’ve been having a drink.

“The brilliant work the children are putting in has a real impact on keeping the public safe, as it will form part of our wider campaign work this season.”