SCHOOLS across Burton are being encouraged to get pupils to design a poster that urges people to stop smoking.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched the competition in the run up to National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 13.
Youngsters aged between six and 12 are being encouraged to consider the cost of smoking by drawing posters of what they would do if they were given £49, an average smokers’ spend on cigarettes per week.
The BHF, which dubbed Burton a ‘Heart Town’ last year, will award the winning pupils t-shirts printed with their very own poster design and their school will receive £210 in vouchers.
Vishnee Sauntoo, No Smoking Day campaign manager at the BHF, said: “Schools are the perfect way to help spread the word about No Smoking Day.
“A shocking number of adults start smoking before they turn 18 showing how important it is to make sure young people fully understand the risks from the very first opportunity.
“No Smoking Day provides a great chance to talk to young people in a fun and engaging way about the risks of smoking and hopefully this year’s competition will help highlight the impact it has on your bank account.
“We’ve had some great activities carried out in schools in previous years, from simple quizzes and games through to art and sculpture competitions.
“So if you’ve not taken part before, get involved with the poster competition for 2013.”
Around 200,000 children and young people in England start smoking each year.
Entries will be accepted until February 27.
All posters must contain the words ‘No Smoking Day 2013’.
All entries including entrant’s details should be sent to: ‘No Smoking Day Competition’, Freepost Plus RSAC-ZHER-YTZL, British Heart Foundation, Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London, NW1 7AW.
More information is available by visiting nosmokingday.org.uk/education
