A MAJOR campaign has been launched in North Yorkshire to reward those people who have helped to reduce road accidents.

This follows shocking police statistics which reveal more than 4,847 people were killed or injured on the county's roads in 1999.

Fuel company Jet has launched the Jet Smile Awards for Road Safety, which is supporting the Government's Think! Campaign.

Jet spokesman Ray Roley said: "Its aims are simple -to raise awareness of the importance of road safety by recognising and rewarding local achievement and effort which has played a significant role in reducing road accidents."

Amelia Forrester, the North East regional road safety officer's representative, said: "Road safety officers throughout the UK are working hard to reduce these levels via local authority education initiatives, practical on-road training sessions for cyclists and pedestrians and Government campaigns like Think!

"We also encourage and support initiatives from third parties and believe that the Jet Smile Awards for Road Safety will make a major contribution to improving awareness of road safety issues in our local communities."

The awards are open to any individuals or organisations that have demonstrated a commitment to road safety in their area, including a lollipop person, a company or charity.

Five regional finalists will receive £1,000 plus another £1,000 for a local charity of their choice. The overall winner will take home £2,500 and £2,500 for their charity.

Entry forms for nominations are available from Jet service stations or the Jet website at www.jet-petrol.co.uk The closing date is October 4, with the winners to be announced in November.