SCHOOL pupils received certificates and prizes for their winning entries in a smoke-free driving design competition.

The competition, organised by Smokefree St Helens, asked primary school children to come up with signs to warn drivers about new legislation, which from October makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under 18.

Ellie-May Buckley from Holy Spirit Primary was the overall competition winner, with Michael Hurle from Sutton Manor Primary and James Fleming from Legh Vale Primary runners-up.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing Councillor Jeanie Bell handed out prizes, along with the council’s assistant director of public health Dympna Edwards and Smokefree manager Julie Tipton, at the town hall.

Cllr Bell said: “Children’s airways, lungs and immune systems are less developed so they are more at risk from the effects of breathing in tobacco smoke and the damage that this can cause.

“We aim to raise public awareness of the new legislation by displaying signs across the borough.”

To find out more visit gov.uk/smokefreecars and for information on stopping smoking call 586247, text QUIT to 61825 or visit readytostopsmoking.co.uk