YOUNGSTERS at an Elton primary school have been using their paint brushes and crayons to help cut Traffic speeds in their community.

Earlier this year, Bury Council invited pupils from Guardian Angels RC Primary School, in Leigh Lane, to design boards to be displayed alongside the new 20 mph speed restriction signs around the area.

And children from the Year Six class have been busy creating masterpieces that have been judged by council chiefs, and were unveiled by the Mayor, Councillor Wilf Davison.

The council identified Elton as an accident black spot in 2001, and since then have been trying to introduce various schemes to cut traffic speeds.

Traffic calming measures such as raised junction tables and speed cushions were introduced to various roads to help reduce the problem. And now, after consulting with residents, a 20 mph zone has been introduced throughout the area. Sixteen new sign posts will also be marked with the art work of four Guardian Angels' pupils.

Tina Settle, area traffic engineer with Bury Council, said: "We thought it would be nice to get the community involved in the scheme and for the children to be able to see their work around the area."

The winning designs were done by Matthew Varetto (11), Simon Smith (10) and Stephen Byrne (11).

Mr Dennis Harrison, headteacher at Guardian Angels, welcome the scheme and hoped that the work done by the children would discourage drivers from speeding.

He said: "I thought it was a really good idea when we were approached by the council. The children have worked so hard on their designs and they have used quite powerful images. This is something they feel very strongly about."