ISLAND CHILDREN PRAISED FOR THEIR CREATIVE EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF POLICE DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN

Schoolchildren on the Isle of Wight have been praised for their outstanding and creative efforts to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s winter drink drive campaign.

Between 7th November and 29th November, The Ryde Neighbourhoods Policing Team (NPT) ran a competition for Year 6 pupils from 13 schools on the Island to design a compelling and eye-catching campaign poster about the topic.

Around 200 posters were designed by the enthusiastic youngsters, and four were shortlisted for prizes by a panel of judges made up of The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight Kay Marriott, Acting Chief Inspector Andy McDonald, Louise Walker from Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Annie Staley, whose granddaughter Evey was killed by a drink driver on the Island in August 2012.

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The winning entry was announced at a ceremony at Ryde Fire Station on Friday 9th December, which was attended by the four designers and their families, the panel of judges, as well as officers from Ryde NPT, and staff from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

Finty Lovett, aged 10, scooped 1st place and was offered first pick of the prizes, which included a short caravan and hot tub break donated by Away Resorts, a family ticket to Robin Hill’s Polar Bear Extravaganza, a family ticket for Tapnell Farm, and a family ticket for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Millie Long, aged 10 took 2nd place and 11-year-old Bonnie Henderson was awarded 3rd place.

Annie Staley and the High Sheriff also presented a certificate of high commendation to Mattie Johnson for her fantastic poster design. As a thank you for all of their efforts, each school that took part in the competition was given a tin of chocolates donated by Tesco.

The posters will be displayed at various locations across the Island including pubs, restaurants, shops, libraries, and GP surgery notice boards.

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Isle of Wight High Sheriff Kay Marriott said at the ceremony:

“It is always a great honour for me to be involved in these community events, and it has been particularly good fun to look through all of the wonderful posters

“On behalf of the community, I want to say thank you to everyone who has participated, and I look forward to seeing the posters all around the Island.”

Lewis Campbell, Road Safety Officer for Isle of Wight Council, said:

“We’re grateful for the proactive road safety education being delivered in schools by the Ryde Neighbourhoods Policing Team. This work boosts the profile of road safety on the Island, raises awareness around the serious issue of drink driving and compliments the Isle of Wight Council’s Christmas advertising campaign.

“We would like to send a huge congratulations to the competition winners Finty, Millie and Bonnie. Great work!