Three creative pupils from the Vale won an NHS competition which asked them to design their own superhero.

School pupils across Dumbarton and the Vale were asked to design their own superhero and describe how their character would help protect antibiotics for future generations in a bid to raise awareness of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

Holly Smallwood, eight, from St Ronan’s Primary drew a superhero who fights infection and Elsie Kennedy, aged seven, from Bonhill Primary designed two superheroes who will only give out antibiotics if they are needed.

Meanwhile Lucas Parker, 11 from Renton Language Base drew a Guardian Goddess who will make sure all prescribed antibiotics are used correctly.

The awareness week is annually celebrated between November 18-24 and aims to increase awareness of the public and healthcare workers to the global threat of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is mainly caused by the incorrect or overuse of antibiotics.

Dr Rachael Rodger, antimicrobial pharmacist at the Vale of Leven Hospital said: “I would like to thank all the children who took the time to design a superhero.

“It is really important that we educate and raise awareness of the importance of only taking antibiotics when needed and always following medical advice. The Antibiotic Guardian campaign highlights small steps we can all take to help protect antibiotics.”

The annual campaign urges people to become “Antibiotic Guardians” by taking one of a number of pledges, which include self-treating colds, sore throats and coughs for five days before visiting a GP, speaking to a pharmacist before visiting a GP, taking antibiotics as prescribed as well as safely disposing any unused antibiotics by taking them to a pharmacy.

Each winner received a £10 gift voucher.

To find out more information about World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and to make your pledge to become an Antibiotic Guardian visit antibioticguardian.com.