THREE pupils from Norton Primary School have been chosen as the winners of Ryedale District Council’s school competition to highlight responsible dog ownership.

Pippa Allen scooped first prize with her interview with a responsible dog owner and has won a family day pass to Ryedale Folk Museum.

Second prize went to Selina Baumane for her dog care chart; she has won a £30 gift voucher for the Fairfax Arms in Gilling East. Third prize went to Theo Sawdon for his responsible dog ownership photo manual; he wins a £20 gift voucher for Linton’s Pet Shop in Malton.

The competition was part of the council’s Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign which was focusing on dog fouling and responsible dog ownership following a series of events in the district with the Dogs Trust.

As well as this the council’s community officers visited primary schools to talk about the issue and invited children submit their short stories, drawings, poems, photos and videos about being a responsible dog owner.

Cllr Luke Ives, chairman of the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “This competition has been a great way to get the next generation of dog owners involved in our campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership.

“The winning entries demonstrated what it takes to being a responsible dog owner - like exercising your pet regularly, providing healthy food and making sure your dog is happy. All dog owners should pick up after their pet – and bag it and bin it, either in a dog waste bin or a regular litter bin. Congratulations to all three winners – they’ve done a brilliant job. Special thanks to Ryedale Folk Museum, Linton’s Pet Shop and the Fairfax Arms for donating the competition prizes.”