CHILDREN are being invited to design a banner about school run pollution.

Oxford City Council and Oxford Friends of the Earth are running a joint competition, to make drivers more considerate of air quality, safety and sustainable transport around schools.

It is open to primary school children in Oxford in Year 3 through to Year 6.

Councillor Tom Hayes, cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said: "Our communities are learning that we need to tackle toxic air and our climate crisis because schoolchildren are teaching us that lesson.

"Our hope is that Oxford’s very own Greta will emerge from this competition for an eye-catching banner that highlights the effects of air pollution outside the school gates."

Schoolgirl Greta Thunberg inspired the 'school strikes' over climate last year, including several held in Oxford.

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Entries can be made by a single pupil, a whole class, a group or a club, and the deadline for submissions is Friday, March 6.

Members of a judging panel will pick their favourite, including Oxford children’s author and illustrator Mini Grey.

The school with the winning entry will receive £250 worth of play equipment, and have their banner displayed at school entrances across the city.

Chris Church from Oxford Friends of the Earth added: "Cleaning up the air quality in our city is everyone's responsibility, and we are very happy to help and encourage schools to get involved in this work.

"Young children are particularly at risk from air pollution, so better air quality around schools must be a priority."

A winner will be announced on Clean Air Day, which is Thursday, June 18.

The competition is part of the city council’s STOP (Schools Tackling Oxford’s Air Pollution) project.

Schools interested in entering the competition can email AirQuality@Oxford.gov.uk.