Toftwood Infant and Junior and Fred Nicholson have signed up to the voluntary code from Breckland Council to stop parents standing outside and blowing cigarette smoke over the children as they walk to and from school.

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham schools have some new smoke free zone signs. Pictured are Toftwood Infant School pupil Edward and Junior School pupil Seth. Picture: Ian BurtDereham schools have some new smoke free zone signs. Pictured are Toftwood Infant School pupil Edward and Junior School pupil Seth. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The smoke-free initiative was launched by Breckland Council in February last year.

Central to the project was a competition for children, asking them to design signs asking adults not to smoke in areas used by children.

The EDP helped the schools promote the competition to the wider public.

More than 100 entries were received in the competition, and the winning designs have been converted into signs. The first of these went up in schools and play areas last summer.

Joanna Pedlow, headteacher of Toftwood Infant School, said: 'We have lot of parents who think it is okay to stand outside and blow cigarette smoke over the children as they walk to and from school.'

Alison Webb, Breckland Council executive member for people and information, said: 'We know that children who see adults smoking as part of everyday life are more likely to take up the habit themselves, so it's fantastic to see all three schools helping prevent this by signing up to this important initiative. This is not about stopping people from smoking, but requesting them to smoke more responsibly away from where children could be influenced, or may be affected by harmful tobacco smoke.'

There are 14 schools participating in the project, 20 town and parish councils, and six pre-school nurseries.

How to request a sign. Schools, pre-school nurseries, and town and parish councils who would like to introduce the 'voluntary smoke-free code' in areas they are responsible for, and receive a free sign featuring the winning designs, should call Breckland Council officer David Osborne on 01362 656313.

Eastern Daily Press: The schools in Toftwood have some new smoke free zone signs. Pictured is Toftwood Infant School pupil Maddie (5). Picture: Ian BurtThe schools in Toftwood have some new smoke free zone signs. Pictured is Toftwood Infant School pupil Maddie (5). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The schools in Toftwood have some new smoke free zone signs. Picture: Ian BurtThe schools in Toftwood have some new smoke free zone signs. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)