Orbis property protection is sponsoring a competition to spread the message "Save houses".
Eight to 11 year olds in Liverpool are designing posters to encourage respect for empty properties. The aim is to explain how vandalising and playing in empty houses can waste homes and blight environments.

Andrew Mapstone, regeneration director for Orbis Property Protection, which claims to be the UK's largest protector of empty social housing, said: "Empty property vandals can be any age. We hope these young people will help to set a good example."

Children from Friary Primary School in Everton are pictured with Councillor Richard Kemp.