Picture: Laura Ratcliffe with Key Stage 2 national competition winner, Heidi F

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is excited to announce the winners of its annual Carbon Monoxide (CO) awareness competition for Key Stage 1- and 2-year groups, aimed at fostering understanding and awareness of the dangers of this poisonous gas and how to stay safe. 

This competition is run jointly by the four gas distribution networks across England, Scotland, and Wales: Cadent, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), SGN and Wales & West Utilities. This year, pupils from across NGN’s region submitted creative entries, including pictures and videos, showcasing their innovative ideas on how to promote the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.  

The competition encouraged children to think about the dangers of CO, the causes and how to spot the signs.  

The winners of the competition are: 

Heidi F, 9 from Ovingham Middle School in Ovingham, Prudhoe created an impactful video with a very well-thought-through coding video highlighting all the signs of CO poisoning. Heidi won the regional finals and went on to win the Key Stage 2 national competition. 

David B, (age 8) from Redby Academy in Sunderland with a very well thought-through coding video highlighting all the signs of CO poisoning. 

Laura Ratcliffe, Social Strategy Programme Manager at NGN said: “We were incredibly impressed by the creativity and passion displayed by all participants. 

“We believe it is essential to engage the younger generation about the dangers posed by carbon monoxide, the causes and how to keep themselves safe.”

The winners received cash gifts both for themselves and their schools.   

Due to the popularity of this year’s competition, the gas distribution networks have decided to support another competition, raising young peoples’ awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide. This will run until the 31st of December 2024. 

The gas distribution networks will pick a winner from Key Stage 1 & 2 in their respective regions; NGN covers most of Yorkshire, the Northeast and northern Cumbria. Each winner will receive £150 for themselves and £300 for their school or organisation. 

NGN’s winners will then go forward to a national competition where they have a chance to win a further £300 for themselves and £600 for their school or organisation. 

All entries must be received by 31st December 2024.  

For more information about the competition, how to apply and to read the full terms and conditions please visit https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/network-supply/get-creative-be-safe/ 

 Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.