Archived press release

Date Published: 17/01/08

As part of its ongoing drive to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents, Aylesbury Vale District Council recently organised an anti-smoking poster competition for students at Aylesbury College. The aim of the competition was to raise ...

As part of its ongoing drive to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents, Aylesbury Vale District Council recently organised an anti-smoking poster competition for students at Aylesbury College.

The aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking amongst young people in the district.

AVDC’s health improvement officer was invited to the college to give the students a talk on the health-related issues of smoking and the implications of second hand smoke. Following the talk, each student was asked to design a poster to either promote an anti-smoking message or highlight the recent change in the law on the age of sale for tobacco.

The posters were put on display in the college and students were given the opportunity to pick their favourite. The most popular designs were then judged by design company Red Sky (Milton Keynes) and four winners were selected to receive £20 shopping vouchers for prizes.

The winners were: Nayab Ghafur and Colton Hewitt-Shaw, who are students in the Pathways learning difficulties and disabilities department, and Ryan Craig and Ryan England, who are BTEC First Diploma students. They were presented with certificates and their prizes at a special prize-giving event at Aylesbury College yesterday (16 January).
 
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health at AVDC, said: “We are committed to helping people to give up smoking; however the best approach is to discourage young people from taking up the habit. By getting local students involved in this poster competition, we are educating them about the dangers of smoking and its detrimental effect on health and sporting achievement. I want to congratulate all those who took part in the competition for making such a positive contribution.” 

Sarah Newall, Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning at Aylesbury College, said: "The college is pleased to be associated with this campaign and very proud of the learner's achievements. The serious message regarding the harm smoking can do was understood totally by the learners and this is very clear in their splendid art work. Congratulations to all involved."
 
Pauline Odulinksi, Principal and Chief Executive of Aylesbury College, said: "Smoking is a lifestyle habit that has harmful health implications, so education of the issues surrounding smoking and a positive call to action such as this campaign is equally beneficial if it can engage young people. I am delighted and proud that our learners have risen to the challenge of promoting anti-smoking as well as understanding fully, the message. Well done to all those who took part and thank you to Aylesbury Vale District Council for involving the learners."