PRIMARY school youngsters across North and East Yorkshire are being challenged to showcase handwashing by putting their creative skills to the test.

Digital health provider Medicspot has launched a competition to promote hand hygiene at home.

It has extended its handwashing competition to all pupils aged five–11 from primary schools throughout the area, including Dringhouses Primary School, Fishergate Primary School and Poppleton Road Primary School.

The home challenge comes as primary schools are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 for all but children of critical workers.

North and East Yorkshire children are encouraged to complete the challenge while at home by making a poster, filming a video, recording a song, doing a science experiment or writing a poem, to name a few.

In their entry, pupils are challenged to get creative and include some key points about proper handwashing, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently throughout the day.

The winning entry will win £500 for their primary school to spend on supplies, and 10 runner-ups will be selected to win £100 for their primary school. This money can go towards school supplies including books, software and art supplies.

Dr Johnson D’souza, medical director at Medicspot, said: “It’s never been more important to practise proper handwashing. We designed this challenge for children to complete at home to help promote frequent hand washing and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“We’re excited to see the creativity from primary school pupils in North and East Yorkshire and hope it inspires households throughout the local area to practise handwashing regularly.”

Pupils have until the end of June to get their entries in. For details visit www.medicspot.co.uk/handwash