A POSTER competition aimed at keeping youngsters off building sites is being launched in York primary schools.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) Stay Safe... Stay Away poster competition wants to raise youngsters' awareness of the dangers in and around building sites, where, over the last ten years, 16 children have been killed in construction-related incidents, and 802 injured.

The NFB poster design competition is open to all primary schools in the York area, and all pupils at key stage 1 & 2 level can enter.

Three finalists will be chosen at the end of June, and each of the finalists' posters will be printed and distributed around the city throughout the school holidays as a constant reminder to stay away from dangerous building sites.

The winning design will be framed and presented to the pupil, and his or her school will receive £1,000 courtesy of the National Federation of Builders and the Yorkshire Builders' Safety & Training Trust. All runners-up will receive a framed copy of their design and certificate.

Angela Dyrdal, regional manager for the NFB, said: "We are fast approaching the summer holiday season and at this time we traditionally see accidents involving children on and around building sites rise as they find themselves with a lot of time on their hands.

"Along with the increase in the amount of construction currently taking place in the York area, we obviously see the risk of accident increase too."

Schools seeking to enter the competition should contact the NFB on 01609 767 320 to receive a teachers' information pack and entry details. Teachers can also request free copies of the HSE children's publication 'Stay Safe' with pull out activity poster and stickers.

Updated: 14:24 Wednesday, April 27, 2005