SchoolchildRen have been using their artistic talents to promote responsible dog ownership.

Pupils at Knightwood Primary School in Valley Park have designed posters for a new pilot scheme aimed at reminding dog walkers to keep their pets under control and to clean up after them.

Borough councillors Kath Tilling said: “The council gets an inordinate number of complaints to the Environmental health department about problems to do with dogs, many of which are avoidable.”

In addition to the perennial problem of dog mess, the council also hears concerns about strays, dogs running off their leads and dangerous dogs.

“Now the borough is collaborating with parish councils to tell the public how easy it is to be a responsible dog owner,” said Ms Tilling.

Ms Tilling and fellow councillor Alan Dowden joined animal welfare officer Rod Mason at the school to pick the best to be used in the “Love Your Dog Love Valley Park” scheme.

The winner was Sarah Moore whose design will be used on signs indicating where bins are located – a big part of the campaign will be to tell dog owners that they can dispose of their pet’s poop, provided it’s in a sealed plastic bag, in any litter bin not just the special dog bins, which are often full to overflowing.

Ms Tilling said that there will also be a study carried out to determine whether existing bins are in the right place.

Runner-up was Jessica Billimore whose design will be used on bin stickers.

Third was Aminiah Tadvi whose artwork will be used on posters put on notice boards around the area.

The campaign is expected to start in the spring when the new signs and notices will go up around Valley Park.