Traffic policemen in the north-eastern Masurian Lake District have been handing out gadgets and souvenirs promoting the tourist and natural values of this region to the best drivers.

The action, launched this weekend, is hoped to encourage voting for Masuria in the New Seven Wonders of the World Contest.

Drivers, who obeyed all traffic rules, had the required insurance and travel accessories, such as a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle, were given gifts like car scents with a photo of Masuria and guidelines on how and where to vote for this Polish hopeful.

Last July, the Masuria Lake District qualified into a group of 28 contest finalists, among which is the Dead Sea, the Grand Canyon in Colorado and the Angel Falls in Venezuela. Another Polish contender, the unique, primeval forest of Bialowieza, did not make it to the final round. The voting on the  new seven wonders will continue till 2011. (kk/mmj)