Rewards for top young green champs

Published July 30, 2010.

Young eco-champions across County Durham are taking a well-earned summer break after excelling in a school recycling campaign, aimed at making the county altogether greener.

‘Recycling Rewards for Schools’, run by Durham County Council, caught the imaginations of pupils across the county, with 158 primary schools taking part. It began in March this year and ended on 30 June, with prizes awarded at schools throughout July.

Cabinet member for environment and leisure, Cllr Bob Young, says it’s been hugely successful:” This scheme has seen over 1,800 pupils, their families and friends get involved, with almost 9,000 householders making recycling pledges.”

“It is fantastic to see how enthusiastically so many people have supported our young residents in their very own campaign to preserve and protect our environment.”

To recognise and celebrate the pupils’ achievements, end of term assemblies and prize giving ceremonies have been taking place across the county.

Pupils have been awarded lanyards made from recycled fabric and medals for collecting pledges and the highest performers were presented with school champion trophies. Top of the list was Yohden Primary School in Horden, where pupils collected nearly 500 recycling pledges. Individually it was Evan Roberts (photo attached) who took the prize for the most individual pledges, having collected an amazing 117.

Durham County Council projects and campaigns team leader, Paula George, said “We’re delighted that so many schools and pupils got involved in the campaign and helped raise awareness of recycling in the county.

“By bringing pupils, their families and friends together for this campaign we hope to see increases in recycling not only now but in the future.”

Schools taking part in the scheme will also be rewarded. Points were allocated for pledges each month and now the campaign is over they can exchange those points for important school equipment.

Ends.

Notes to News Editors:

 Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School, Esh Winning was the school that earned the most points during the campaign.

Arran Alderson from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary in Esh Winning and Benjamin Lowerson from Newker Primary in Chester-le-Street won the School Champion trophies at their schools.

Their names will now go into the draw to win a Nintendo DS, along with top performers from each of the other participating schools. The draw will be made at the start of the new term in September.

For more information about waste and recycling, contact the strategic waste team on 0191 383 5674 or visit www.durham.gov.uk.