FOUR pupils had their artwork turned into road signs as part of a council scheme to implement 20mph speed limits outside schools.

The winning pictures were designed by Josh Rowe, Lauren Roberts and Faye Haynes from Cestria Primary School and Ethan Arkle from Park View Lower School, in Chester-le-Street.

The images were selected by members of Durham County Council’s Slow to 20 for Safer Streets project team.

In December 2014, the Council’s cabinet agreed to introduce 20mph limits outside of 33 schools over three years. The new signs will be erected on Mains Park Road, in Chester le Street, which is one of the new 20 mph zones.

John Reed, head of technical services at the county council, said: “The purpose of the Slow to 20 schemes is to reduce traffic speeds around the schools during drop off and pick up times, which will help to improve road safety for all road users as well as making walking, cycling and outdoor play more attractive.

“I would like to congratulate the winners on their designs for the new signage, which will go a long way to help enforce this important message.”

Three of the four winning children were able to visit Barnard Castle-based sign-makers William Smith to watch as their designs were turned into the signs. The pupils were also presented with miniature versions as a keepsake.

Cllr Brian Stephens, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The scheme to bring in 20mph limits outside schools was introduced to keep our children safe.

“The efforts of both officers and councillors to date have seen results which have far exceeded the original objectives of the project and this is something in which we can all be very proud.”