Pupils at Malborough Primary School have unveiled the winning design for an eye-catching road sign warning motorists to slow down outside their school.

Eleven-year-old Niki O'Leary came up with the winning design of a rainbow coloured snail, which is now displayed underneath a speed limit sign in the village.

Niki, a year six pupil, said: "I got the idea after I saw a snail in the playground. I was happy and surprised I won, but I am very proud that it’s now on show in the village."

Malborough is among a number of schools in the South Hams taking part in a pilot road safety campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of busy roads.

The scheme, which is the brainchild of Devon County Council, provides high visibility vests which are worn by the pupils on their journeys to and from school.

Niki O'Leary: "I got the idea after I saw a snail in the playground. I was happy and surprised I won, but I am very proud that it’s now on show in the village."

It's helped the school start its first walking buses, where groups of children are escorted to school by volunteer escorts.

Janis Davies, deputy head at Malborough Primary, said: "The children have been really enthusiastic about road safety, especially as they have just started the walking bus.

”The hi-visibility vests presented by Devon County Council are encouraging more children to walk and drivers are really taking note of the bus and are being very considerate."

Twenty-two pupils at Malborough school are taking part in the walking buses, which have been set up with the voluntary help of five parents and two members of staff.

Sir Simon Day, Devon County councillor for Thurlestone, Salcombe and Allington, said: "The pupils have been taking an active interest in road safety and it's providing them with essential skills.

”The safety of our children on rural roads is paramount, but the walking bus is also the perfect opportunity for the children to get regular exercise."

Sarah Cooke, Devon County Council's school travel plan advisor, added: "The children have really enjoyed designing their own road signs, and we've had some very imaginative entries but it's also taught them about road safety.

”I think drivers will take notice of the sign because it's out of the ordinary and it's certainly eye catching.

"We're delighted the school has started its own walking bus. It's certainly easing congestion around the school at the beginning and end of the day."