CHILDREN have created handmade posters to help a council spread public health messages during the coronavirus outbreak.

Witton Gilbert Primary School teamed up with Durham County Council to remind people to stay safe during the current pandemic.

While either learning from home or in school, over the last few weeks pupils have created drawings and posters and taken photographs to illustrate the guidance from central Government on staying safe.

The Northern Echo:

Pictures created by the pupils include messages thanking key workers and emergency services for their hard work, while other drawings highlight public safety messages such as asking people to keep at least two metres apart, looking after neighbours who are self-isolating or shielding, and remembering to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.

The posters have been sent to the council, which will share the pictures on its social media accounts to help spread the public safety messages.

Bethan Howells, year six class teacher at Witton Gilbert Primary School, said: “When we asked the children how we could help spread the word about important public health messages, they went to work on a great project to produce posters, videos and key messages aimed at reminding everyone how to keep safe. Children working at home and in school produced some fabulous, creative ideas and we're delighted with the results.”

The Northern Echo:

Councillor Olwyn Gunn, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Getting pupils involved in creating public health messages for social media is a special and fun way to help children to better understand this uncertain climate which has been caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

“Encouraging pupils to use creative ways to share these messages, such as drawings and pictures, is also a great way to engage with them while they have not been able to attend school and are learning from home.”

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “These messages created by the pupils of Witton Gilbert Primary School are a great reminder that following public health guidelines is a community effort to fight the spread of coronavirus.

“The pupils have done an excellent job in illustrating these messages in a positive and creative way and hopefully will encourage the public to keep following government guidelines and take safety measures into account to protect themselves, their friends and family, and others during this time.”