School pupils in County Durham got creative to design posters aimed at reinforcing the important handwashing message as part of the fight against coronavirus.

Durham County Council’s competition for primary schools and early years settings across the county asked youngsters to come up with ideas for how best to raise awareness of the message about the importance of regular handwashing and stopping the spread of the virus.

Following the submission of the children’s work, winners were selected in three categories by judges Cllr Olwyn Gunn, the council’s cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, and Richard Crane, the council’s head of education and skills.

The pre-school winner was Dylan Hughes, who goes to Ushaw Moor Childcare, while the reception, Years 1 and 2 category was won by Lacey Rosemurgey of Peases West Primary School, in Crook.

The design selected to win the Years 3 to 6 section was from Hayden Kwok, of Beamish Primary School.

The children’s creations have now been turned into cartoon artworks and are being circulated to schools’ early years and childcare settings during the current lockdown restrictions.

Cllr Gunn said: “Thank you to all children who took part in this competition. We have seen some excellent designs which really took on board the important messages we are supporting.

“Regular handwashing is vitally important and the winning posters are a great addition to the campaign.”