YOUNGSTERS have been using their artistic abilities to warn their neighbours about the threat from burglars.

A total of 30 pupils from across the Basildon borough entered a competition to design a crime prevention poster to be displayed across the borough.

The competition was organised by Basildon Community Safety partnership as part of the Community Safety Action Zone scheme – with a poster designed by nine-year-old Lucy Skeggs, from Felmores Primary School, declared the winner.

Pupils were asked to produce an A3 poster, using pictures and writing to encourage householders to make life harder for burglars.

Copies of Lucy’s poster will go up at the Basildon Centre, on community noticeboards and in community halls.

Lucy also won a £30 gift voucher. Fellow pupils, Tia McGlore and Jack Cornwall both nine, were runners-up.