Children are being urged by a regional daily to design three ‘no smoking’ signs which will be displayed at more than 140 parks across its patch.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has teamed up with Leeds City Council to launch a competition to design the signs, after the authority announced it will introduce a voluntary smoking ban on all of its children’s playgrounds later this year.

Entrants are asked to make the designs clear, but also to show playgrounds as fun family areas.

A piece publicising the competition in the YEP also states designs should be positive, promote healthy environments and make clear that no smoking is allowed in the play area.

Nicola Furbisher, pictured above left, managing editor of the YEP, said: “We would urge children city-wide to get creative over the summer holidays and spread this vital public health message.

“Smoking in playgrounds is something we should all act to prevent, so let’s spread a positive message about a smoke-free future.”

The competition is open to all children from Leeds under the age of 13.

Three winners will be announced during the week of 18 September.