Memories of a frighteningly-close encounter with a four-wheel drive vehicle have prompted a Winchester student to launch a new road-safety campaign.

Almost knocked off his bike as he cycled near his Owslebury home a couple of years ago, 16-year-old Russell Nash has long been concerned about the dangers of fast-moving traffic.

The resolve of the Peter Symonds' College student to do something about reckless drivers who hurtle through Hampshire villages hardened earlier this year when he read a Chronicle story about 12-year-old Michael Newnes, who cheated death after being hit by a van speeding through Morestead at 60mph.

The youngster had been waiting for a bus at the side of the main road when the van flew past, clipping his school rucksack and throwing him off his feet.

Working with fellow student, Sarah Hall, Russell has asked primary schoolchildren from across the district to take part in a competition to design an anti-speeding poster, illustrating the dangers of driving too fast.

"Did you know that 70% of cars speed through 30mph limits," he said. "And one in three deaths on the road could be avoided if the drivers involved had been going slower.

"We want to raise awareness generally on this issue so people are more likely to take notice of speed limits and think when they are driving through small villages."

The winner of the competition will see their poster printed and used throughout the Winchester district to encourage drivers to kill their speed.

Using Winchester City Council's e-mail service, Russell was able to pitch his idea directly to leader, Rodney Sabine, who offered to support the campaign.

Mr Sabine said: "We think it is an excellent idea. Russell has a good campaign and the more we can involve children the better. They are always good ambassadors for this kind of idea."

"Far too many cars speed through villages. I live on a country road myself and we have tremendous problems with cars going past at speed. There is a real argument for much lower speed limits through villages," he added.

"Stop the Speed Demons" is also supported by Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, and the city's mayor, Thrse Evans, who will present the prizes to the competition winners, after the closing date on January 31st.