PRIMARY school youngsters 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, which was 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 youngsters 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. The contest coincided with National Safety Week.

All entries were judged by the Weardale works safety committee.

A winner and second place was chosen from each school with £250 for first place and £50 for second going directly to the schools.

The winners went along to the works where they were presented with their prizes by Chief Whip and local MP Hilary Armstrong.

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

"The team here enjoyed the judging and prize giving, which has helped local children focus on an important issue."

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

Rookhope Primary School: 1 David McAnaney; 2 Joseph Bergin.

Witton-le-Wear Primary School: Joint 1 Jamie Kennedy-Turner and Matthew Stephenson.