PRIMARY school pupils are reaping the benefits of a safety competition after winning cash prizes.

More than 150 children from three Wear Valley schools took part in the competition, organised by Lafarge Cement's Weardale Works.

The company recently ended clinker production at the Weardale site but wanted to do something for the local primary schools.

The pupils from Rookhope, Stanhope and Witton-le-Wear schools entered the competition and had to come up with ideas and design posters to promote safety in the home.

All entries were judged by the Weardale works' safety committee. First and second places were chosen from each school with £250 for the winner and £50 for second going directly to the schools.

The winners went to the works where they were presented with their prizes by Government Chief whip and MP for North West Durham Hilary Armstrong.

Works manager Peter Greeno, said: "We were overwhelmed by the standard of the entries."

The winners were: Stanhope Barrington, 1 Denis Hackett; 2 Lauren Spencer.

Rookhope, 1 David McAnaney; 2 Joseph Bergin. Witton- le-Wear, Joint 1 Jamie Kennedy-Turner and Matthew Stephenson.