Wales & West Utilities is urging primary school pupils across Wales to put their creativity to the test and enter a national gas safety competition before the deadline at the end of the month.

The gas emergency and pipeline service, alongside the UK’s other gas networks, is urging pupils to enter the ‘Get Creative, Be Safe’ competition, and is inviting youngsters to come up with creative ways to inform others about the deathly dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).

As part of the competition, primary pupils are urged to put their creativity to the test using any form of media, such as eye-catching cartoons, videos, models, short stories or poems, to warn of the dangers of CO poisoning – and how to avoid them.

Carbon monoxide (CO), known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, kills 50 people a year in England and Wales and hospitalises many more. In the UK, there are more than 4,000 visits to Accident & Emergency for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning – which can often lead to lasting neurological damage.

Even low levels of exposure over an extended period can cause serious health issues, including brain injuries.

Wales & West Utilities Head of Emergency Service, Clive Book, said: “Young people have until 27 May to get their entries in and we’re looking forward to seeing their creativity shining through!

“The competition is a great way of helping youngsters understand the importance of gas safety in a fun and engaging way. We want people to stay safe from the deathly dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and this competition is a great way to make sure everyone can Stay Gas Safe while spreading the gas safety message.”

As part of the competition youngsters will be in with a chance to win money for both themselves and their school or organisation.

Wales & West Utilities will judge entries and pick four area winners – two from Key Stage 1 and 2 in both Wales and south west England – who will personally receive £150 and £300 for their school / organisation (which can include uniformed organisations such as Cubs or Brownies).

The regional winners will go forward to a national final, where they have a chance to win a further £300 for themselves and £600 for their school / organisation.

Entries must be submitted in the form of a JPEG photograph or coloured scan or as a link/attachment (if entry is in video or digital form), and emailed along with the entrant’s name, age, school/organisation and post code to: COcompetition@wwutilities.co.uk. 

Entries must be received by 27 May 2022. More information can be found at: www.wwutilities.co.uk/GetCreativeBeSafe.