POSTERS designed by Stockton children depicting the danger posed by discarded syringes are to be put up across the area.

Children from four primary schools in the borough - Bowesfield, Oxbridge Lane, St Cuthbert's RC and Mill Lane - took part in a competition to draw posters telling children that drugs litter should not be touched, and that if discarded needles are found they should be left alone and an adult informed.

In addition, they tell youngsters that any needles found should be reported to Stockton Borough Council which will collect them.

The council's cabinet member for the environment Councillor Steve Nelson said: "We recognise some of the rubbish left by irresponsible people can be dangerous and certainly discarded needles would fall into that category.

"It is tremendous the way pupils of the schools involved in the campaign have been able to help keep the community clean and safe for all residents."

Mehreen Akhtar, from Bowesfield Primary School, took first prize and won a £20 voucher and certificate.

Her design will be printed and made into posters to be distributed around the borough.

Second was Chelsea Barnes, also from Bowesfield Primary School, who won a £10 voucher and a certificate. Daniel Clearly, from Oxbridge Primary School, took the prize for third place. He won a £5 voucher.

Anyone who finds a syringe is asked to call (01642) 391959.