A TEAM of six students from Robert May’s School in Odiham have scooped a prestigious Suzy Lamplugh National Personal Safety Award.

The awards recognise accomplishment in personal safety, and celebrate people or groups who are committed to personal safety in the workplace, in communities, in universities or schools, and have promoted personal safety in an exceptional way.

During a moving and inspirational award ceremony in London on March 31, the team of Alfie Payne, Chyanne Cox, Anna Driver, Annabel Main, Charlotte Applin and Katherine Bowditch, all aged 13 and 14, were recognised for their creativity in a campaign which warned their fellow peers about the dangers of sending nude and sexual pictures via an original animated concept.

As well as encouraging young people to make safer, more positive choices, the message also provided support, encouraged them to speak to someone they trust, and to seek help if they found themselves in this situation.

After the animation had won a local competition, organised by Hampshire Constabulary, the idea was developed into a professional public campaign in Hampshire, in conjunction with the police, and launched on World Safer Internet Day.

Rachel Griffin, chief executive of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said: “The awards recognise the hard work of individuals and agencies that promote and ensure personal safety. This year, we have been overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of the projects nominated.

“We are thrilled to honour the students at Robert May’s School. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to the project is inspirational and will help keep young people safer in this digital age.”

Joanna West, headteacher of Robert May’s School, said: “I am extremely proud of the six students and how they have developed this campaign. We are committed to the safeguarding of our students, and hope that this campaign encourages them, and indeed other young people across the county, to make safer choices.”

The category was so strong that the judges decided to award first prize to both Robert May’s School and the Safer Wyre Forest and ContinU Trust.