RYEDALE District Council has launched a competition for children to highlight responsible dog ownership.

The competition forms part of the council’s Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign.

The council's team of community officers have also been visiting local primary schools to talk about the issue and have invited children to submit their short stories, drawings, poems, photographs or even videos about being a responsible dog owner.

Cllr Luke Ives, chairman of the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “This competition is helping us spread the word about how we need to look after our environment for the next generation of dog owners.

"We’ve got some really great prizes from Ryedale Folk Museum, Linton’s Pet Shop, Fairfax Arms and the Talbot Hotel, whom we would like to thank for donating prizes and supporting the campaign.”

Entries should be emailed to communityteam@ryedale.gov.uk