YOUNG crime-fighters across the Cotswolds are invited to put their skills to the test.

Cotswold District Council’s community safety team has launched a competition inviting students at schools and colleges across the area to design a poster helping prevent crime or promote safety in the community.

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl will judge the overall winner of the competition and entrants could stand to win prizes including a VIP day at Cirencester fire station and a Nintendo games console.

Other judges include Cirencester’s Lord Bathurst and commander of the town’s fire station Dave Pike and the competition is sponsored by Cotswold Stronger and Safer Communities Partnership, Bromford Living, Sovereign and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

CDC’s cabinet member for communities and health Cllr Carole Topple (Con, Riversmeet) said she hoped young people across the district would step up and get involved in the competition.

“I am sure that it will result in some eye-catching posters which will help raise general awareness and hopefully promote better behaviour as well as reducing crime,” she said.

The competition is split into three age groups – seven to 11, 12 to 15, and 16 plus – and entries can be submitted through participating schools or directly to CDC at Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX or the Moreton Area Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AZ.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Wednesday, July 31 and presentation of prizes will take place during Cotswold Crime Prevention Week beginning on Monday, October 7.