Scroll down for video

TV star Phillip Schofield delighted children and parents yesterday as he came to a Marlow school to award prizes for a school road safety competition.

The This Morning presenter, who lives in Fawley, visited Danesfield School to hand out the prizes to pupils from Ibstone School, Frieth School and Danesfield after they designed warning posters for drivers, which will be put up around the area.

Winning designs included warnings about mobile phones use whle at the wheel and stark warnings from youngsters about the dangers of excess speed.

The campaign was run in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, with officers visiting each of the schools to give safety advice and help children with the project.

After addressing the gathered crowd and handing out the prizes, Schofield, who also judged the competition himself, said: “I’ve done it before and it’s such a lovely idea. They were all very good, even the ones that didn’t win. There were some great ideas and very varied.

“We all live in a beautiful part of the world but with some very narrow roads, many of which our schools are on.

“It’s essential we get the message across to drivers be safe and watch out for our kids.”

Danesfield School, which is currently calling for a review of the sped limit outside its gates, hosted the triumvirate of schools from rural Marlow.

Head Sarah Morgan said: “This is a great opportunity for it [road safety] to be discussed in assembly and all the children have been involved.

“We’re really grateful to the police for coming in, and it makes it more exciting for the children.”

He was joined by Chief Inspector Rebecca Mears for the informal ceremony this afternoon to praise the work of the 10 lucky winners, whose work will now be displayed throughout the three villages.

She said: “They are the future drivers and can influence their parents. This is about their vulnerability now and future responsibilities.

“The key message is that the difference between 30 and 40 mph can be the difference between living and dying, and that’s the stark reality.”

The Neighbourhood team at Marlow Police Station are keen to support and promote road safety to residents and children, especially in the rural areas where pavements are not available.

PC Claire Marchant, who organised the competition, said "The children have really embraced the idea of the need for safe road use and this will hopefully shape their future habits.

“Working with the schools and parish councils will 'drive' home the community message to road users to slow down and be aware of safety."