YOUNGSTERS are invited to think of creative ways to spread the message about carbon monoxide after figures show there are more than 300 'at risk' appliances across Runcorn and Widnes.

Gas company Cadent has revealed there were 151 gas appliances condemned as being at risk of producing carbon monoxide in Runcorn during 2017-18 and 173 in Widnes.

Now, Cadent's mascot, Safety Seymour, is calling on all children aged between five and 11 to pick up a paintbrush, grab the glue and come up with a creative way of warning people of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

This could be anything from a cartoon, poem or story, to a video, model or painting and the judges are inviting entries from youngsters, schools, and children’s groups such as Scouts and Brownies.

The national winner of the competition will be awarded £300, with a further £600 for their school or organisation.

Area winners will pick up £150 each and £300 for their school or organisation.

Entrants have until May 11 to complete their projects and more information on how to enter can be found on Cadent's website.

Cadent’s Phil Burrows said: "We’re encouraging kids to unleash their inner creative genius and come up with some great ideas on how to spread the carbon monoxide (CO) safety message.

"They can produce their competition entries in any format they like, from poems and short stories to videos, models, pictures or cartoons.

Known as the silent killer, deadly carbon monoxide is produced by faulty or badly maintained gas appliances.

It can’t be seen, smelt or tasted but it kills 40 people a year and leaves many more with life-changing injuries.