A Horsforth and Aireborough’s MP is urging local schools to get involved in a competition which helps youngsters to use the internet safely.

Stuart Andrew is asking primary schools to take part in the Make IT Happy competition, a UK-wide technology challenge. The competition is run by the Parliamentary Internet Communications and Technology Forum and e-skills UK. It is backed by almost 100 MPs.

Mr Andrew, whose Pudsey constituency includes Horsforth and Aireborough, said: “I encourage all of the local primary schools to get involved with Make IT Happy this year. The competition helps children gain invaluable internet safely skills, which is very important in this technological age. I’m confident that pupils will enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project. Having the opportunity to win cash prizes for their school is also fantastic.”

This year’s competition has been specially designed to help children use the internet safely and creatively.

Youngsters will be asked to create an infographic – a digital poster – that tells other people what they’ve learned and how they too can be safe on the web.

Each regional finalist will receive £1,200, with the overall winning school taking home an additional cash prize of £4,000. Winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London in June.