Eight primary schools in Torfaen have signed up to a Keep Wales Tidy campaign to keep their communities free from litter.
The schools, located in Pontypool and Cwmbran, have become designated litter-free zones and will carry out regular litter picks around their grounds.
They are Cwmffrwdoer, George Street, Penygarn and Griffithstown primary schools, in Pontypool, have become Litter Free Zones, together with Woodlands, Llantarnam and the Federation of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva primary schools in Cwmbran.
Teacher Gemma Dickerson said: “Our eco warriors are always looking for ways to make our school community a greener place.
“Active travel is also high on our agenda so a project that combines both is perfect. We can`t wait to get started and create a cleaner and greener Woodlands.”
Year 5 pupil Charlie said: “Litter picking will help our school and local community be green and healthy and look a lot better. Then people will want to walk to school.”
Elliot, also in Year 5, added: “We want to keep our local area clean and tidy so everyone can enjoy it.”
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “This is an exciting project that focuses on improving the appearance of local communities to encourage more people to consider walking or cycling for short journeys.
“It complements the work our teams do to support our local school eco committees and help schools achieve their active travel targets.
“These young people are a great example to us all to do our bit in helping to keep our communities free from litter.”
The active travel Litter Free Zones project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
There are around nine Litter Free Zones in Torfaen, including businesses and Croesyceiliog Primary School.
For more information, or to register as a Litter Free Zone, email oliver.james@torfaen.gov.uk or click this link.
Individuals and groups interested in arranging their own litter picks can borrow free equipment from one of the council’s Litter Picking Hubs.