A CHRISTCHURCH resident is encouraging commuters to take more care on the road by producing a series of graphics warning people of potential dangers in rural areas.

Graphic designer Kevin Willsher, who works at Graphics Workshop based in Southampton, has made a collection of posters since being on furlough since last year.

The visuals include warnings about the road safety of horse riders, awareness of livestock on forest roads, the misuse of fireworks and the importance of wearing Hi-Viz jacket or reflective item of clothing whilst on the roads.

Mr Willsher said: “My partner Jodie Sloane is a passionate horse rider and owner and regularly rides her horse on roads and country lanes around the Christchurch area and frequently encounters problems with motorists, cyclists and other road users.

“Through her own experiences she thought it was time to help raise awareness on these safety issues.

“I am currently on furlough from my full-time job so for me it was a perfect time to get stuck into a project which can help make a difference to people’s lives and help protect the welfare of their horses. We all need some help in these tough times of lockdown, so I wanted to contribute towards this.”

Having shared the posters via various Facebook groups, the couple have received an overwhelming response on social media with these with one poster being shared nearly 8,000 times.

The pair have also supplied the designs to numerous people in the local area for them to print out and put up in various locations across Dorset.

He added: “Through Facebook and social media, I have made my designs available to anyone who wants to share and download them to print off for their own use.

“All I have asked is that they credit me as the designer when they have shared through social media.

“The most popular of the designs is the 'Stop Feeding Horses' poster. Since it was shared on Facebook, I have sent around 100 emails to various people who requested the pdfs so they can print out and put up around their properties and owned land.”

Kevin has been contacted by a number of organisations including The British Horse Society, Go New Forest and the FAB Firework campaign for the use of his designs for campaign slogans and for future initiatives.

“The work we have done has really resonated with the public and it gives us immense satisfaction to know that our work has helped raise awareness on these important safety issues which can sometimes get overlooked,” Keven added.

“I am not in it to make profit and haven't been paid for any of the work.

“If one poster helps saves the life of one horse then we have absolutely achieved this.”

To find out more, email Kevin Willsher at wilts32uk@sky.com.