Creative pupils have helped warn other youngsters about the dangers of playing on building sites by taking part in a drawing competition.

Wimpey Taylor, which is building the Academy Central housing development in Longbridge Road, Barking, invited children from Dorothy Barley Junior School to design posters with the safety warning.

Pictures drawn by Harry Coombes and Lilliana Francisco, both 10, plus seven-year-old Kourtnie Cole, were judged to be the best, with all three designs being displayed on a perimeter hoarding surrounding the Academy Central site.

The pupils also each received a £50 book token for their efforts.

Harry said: “Designing the poster made me realise there are dangers all around us in a building site and if people can be at risk of an accident we need to warn them.”

Dan Lewis, learning support assistant at the school, in Iveinghoe Road, Dagenham, was impressed with the quality of all the pupils’ work.

“The children sent out a strong message with really bold designs, which were eye-catching and just the sort of thing which would grab the attention of a child,” he said.

“I think they actually have a bigger impact than if a poster were to be designed by an adult.”