27
October
2014
|
09:27
Europe/London

Judges to select winning firework safety poster designs

The contest run by Oxfordshire County Council's Trading Standards Team saw pupils from the 17 primary schools which chose to take part submit entries relating to a range of firework safety themes, including the law and anti-social behaviour.

Winning designs from artist age groups 4-7 and 8-11 will be used across the county next year to highlight firework safety via a poster campaign.

Selected entries to be judged

A total of 273 entries were received, 20 of which have been shortlisted for judging in the Grand Jury Room at County Hall from about 11am by David Heycock, a Fire Risk Manager for Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service and county council Trading Standards Petroleum and Explosives Officers Richard Rockall and David Sandy.

Oxfordshire Trading Standards Manager Richard Webb said: "The competition is an opportunity for children to learn about important firework safety messages while having the chance for their work to be featured as part of a countywide poster campaign.

"Three quarters of accidents connected to fireworks involve children and young people - we obviously all want to enjoy fireworks but everybody needs to know that they can be dangerous if not handled properly."

Pressing home vital safety messages

Councillor Rodney Rose, Oxfordshire County Council's Deputy Leader who has Cabinet responsibility for Trading Standards said: "Safety is an important thing when it comes to fireworks and engaging with children via them having the chance to design a firework safety poster is the perfect way to press home the vital messages."

Last year's poster design winners were Sobiah Naveen-Harry, from North Hinksey Primary School, and Tom Read, from The Batt School, Witney.