FRIENDS of Bradford’s Becks (FOBB) is on the hunt for someone who can design them an anti-pollution game.

The group, which is dedicated to preserving the district’s becks, is looking for an artist or maker who enjoys making fun, educational aids.

They are now holding a competition to find a winning design.

Barney Lerner, chair of FOBB, said: “We want a fun interactive display or game for audiences aged 10 plus to use in science fairs, schools and outdoor events.

“The underlying intention is to show people how choices they make about disposing of waste can pollute our waterways.

“We have a bit of money from Neighbourly to help our educational activities and want to use it to create an educational aid.”

Click here for more information on the competition itself.

Rob Hellawell is a FOBB member who spends much of his time hunting pollution sources.

He explained: “Much of the pollution in the becks is caused by misconnections of household waste pipes, sending dirty water straight into the river through the surface water drains.

“Many people, and some plumbers, don’t realise that houses built after about 1960 have two drainage pipes. The foul water sewer goes to the sewage works but the rainwater drain goes to the river.”

He explained that another problem is when sewers get blocked and overflow into the river, the street or even basements.

“Blockages happen when wet wipes, nappies and other waste is flushed down the toilet, or oil is disposed of in the sink.  This causes fatbergs to build up and block the sewer.”

Professor Lerner added that these pollution problems happen in people’s houses, which is why the group wants to build a fun aid to help people understand how they can avoid adding to the pollution of the becks.

FOBB is inviting proposals which will be judged by a small group of its members.

There is a budget of up to £3,500 to build the winning design and the competition brief is available from their website. Entries must be submitted by November 17 to be considered.

The competition follows the recent launch of a new leaflet highlighting the history, nature and recent conservation efforts along one section of Bradford Beck.

The self-guided walk follows the Beck between Shipley and Poplar Road for a mile and has been produced by FOBB.

They are inviting residents to discover some of the watercourse’s secrets through the walk, entitled A Stroll Along Bradford Beck.