CHILDREN handed out tickets they had designed to more than 20 speeding motorists near their school.

Pupils of Picklenash Primary School in Newent joined Police Community Support Officer Joshua Griffiths.

They used a speed gun to see how fast vehicles were travelling and PCSO Griffiths stopped the 24 motorists breaking the 30mph limit and they were asked to slow down.

The Year Six pupils have now designed posters highlighting the importance of keeping to the speed limit.

The youngsters have taken part in the junior wardens scheme which was launched in 2014 by housing association Two Rivers in conjunction with the Forest Council, Gloucestershire Police and local schools.

Speed awareness is one element of the junior wardens programme and PCSO Griffiths has been working with the children on the issue.

He joined them for an hour to see how many vehicles on the B4421 driving past the school were breaking the limit.

The winning posters, created by Alexia Agnew, aged 11, Madeline Scott aged 11 and 10-year-old Jessica Ward, have been printed by Two Rivers and will be displayed on lamposts throughout the town.

The school’s executive head, Tony Larner, said: “The project has been an opportunity to make a difference in an area they are passionate about and has been both incredibly fun and engaging.

“It is definitely something we feel is a valuable experience and will hope to continue year-on-year.”

Julie Burlow, community engagement team leader at Two Rivers, said: “The children always enjoy the session with the speed gun, and this particular group wanted to do something to get the message across on a more permanent basis.

“They produced some excellent posters and we have three strong designs that carry a very powerful reminder to everyone travelling along that road,” she added.