YOUNGSTERS from across the West of Scotland are celebrating after their artwork was selected for use in a national safety campaign.

The winning designs were chosen from more than 700 entries from 26 schools across Scotland for a place in the Scottish Government's 'Get ready for the year ahead' calendar, which aims to encourage everyone be better prepared for all kinds of emergencies.

In the last three years, parts of Scotland have been badly affected by severe weather – from the damaging storms of early 2012 to the snow and freezing temperatures of the previous two winters.

The Ready for Winter? campaign – in partnership with the British Red Cross and thousands of other organisations across Scotland – provides everyone with information and advice on how to cope with weather emergencies.

The winners were: four-year-old Beth Crawford, from Busby Primary School in Clarkston; Emma Wills, 10, from Ralston Primary School Paisley; nine-year-old Erin Lochrie, from St Peter's Primary School in Paisley; Megan Landale, 11; five-year-old Amy Ransom, six-year-old Jackson Donnell, five-year-old Sophie, seven-year- old Erin Elliot, eight-year-old Nathan Burrows and nine-year-old Catherine McDonald from Colquhoun Park Primary School in Bearsden, and Lauren Scott-Kiddie, 10, from Crookfur Primary School in Newton Mearns.

Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown said: "Being prepared for severe winter weather is something we all need to take responsibility for.

"This year's campaign is encouraging everyone in Scotland to start thinking about how severe weather could impact them, at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities, and at their place of work."

"The Scottish Government was keen to engage school children as part of its activity."

The 2012-2013 calendar includes a variety of advice, tips and quick quizzes on how we can all be better prepared for bad weather.

A list of emergency contact numbers is also included.

ewan.fergus@ evening times.co.uk

Free copies of the 'Get ready for the year ahead' calendar are available at the Ready for Winter? national road shows, which are offering practical guidance on preparing for severe weather. The free calendar is also available at British Red Cross shops across Scotland, while stocks last. For more information on the Ready for Winter? campaign visit www.readyscotland.org