Rebecca Is Shropshire Winner of Police Halloween Poster Competition

Rebecca with Acting head Jo Derrer, CSO Sue Eden and PC Mark FletcherEight-year-old Rebecca Edge from Alveley, near Bridgnorth is the Shropshire winner of a colouring competition run by West Mercia Police promoting safety at Halloween.

The "Spooktacular" competition attracted nearly 1,300 entries from across the West Mercia force area, including 367 from Shropshire.

But it was Rebecca's brightly coloured entry which caught the judges' eye and earned her a £20 book token prize.

She was among about 40 youngsters from Alveley Primary School who entered after PC Mark Fletcher and CSO Sue Eden from the Local Policing Team gave a Halloween safety presentation at school before handing out posters to be coloured in.

A delighted Rebecca, of Peacock Hill, who spent an hour at home colouring her poster, was presented with her prize by PC Fletcher and CSO Eden in school today.

She also received a letter of congratulation from West Mercia Chief Constable David Shaw.

Acting school head, Mrs Jo Derrer said the school had excellent links with the Local Policing Team who were regular visitors.  "It enables the children to get to know the uniformed officers which in turn helps develop respect and confidence in the police."

The poster competition promoted a series of key safety messages at Halloween, including not entering houses, not talking to strangers, to go trick or treating with an adult and making sure you are visible by staying in well-lit areas.

Anna Thomas, Campaign Manager for West Mercia Police said: "There was an excellent response to the competition - a really high entry.  I'd like to thank all the children who took part and hope they had fun colouring the posters while learning some important safety messages.

"A thank you also goes to the schools for allowing children to become involved as part of their class activities."

Issued: Tuesday, 22 November 2011