COWLING'S newly appointed Recreation Ground Management Committee has enlisted the help of the local primary school to highlight the issue of dog fouling.

"The overall goal of the committee is to improve and manage the 'Rec' and make it somewhere the villagers want to use and can be proud of," said Cllr Alan Perrow, chairman of Cowling Parish Council. "A small but vital step to help with these improvements is to tackle the ongoing issue of dog fouling in the recreation ground and areas around the village."

The RGMC was keen to get the community involved and approached primary school headteacher Sue Marshall to assist with the task.

The school recently received visits from two dog charities promoting responsible dog ownership, and following these visits the children designed posters highlighting the importance of cleaning up after their pets.

The RGMC and village lengthsman David Hitchcock judged the posters and chose three winners. First prize went to Mollie White, second to Harry Rowe and third to Holly Whitaker.

The winning posters will be turned into signs and put up around the recreation ground and the village.

Rachel Jackson, chairman of the RGMC, thanked Mrs Marshall and the schoolchildren for their hard work and support.

She said she hoped the new signs would have a positive outcome and make dog owners more inclined to clear up after their pets.