Children from Ysgol Tanygrisiau and Ysgol Manod, Blaenau Ffestiniog, have made the most of the fine weather recently by getting out of the classroom to collect and recycle litter in their local community.

Staff from Y Dref Werdd were joined by the nursery, reception and Years 1 and 2 of Ysgol Tanygrisiau for a walk to Tanygrisiau lake, with four bags of rubbish being gathered within two hours. Along with the efforts in Tanygrisiau, pupils in Years 3 and 4 at Ysgol Manod also went out around their community, where they succeeded in collecting six bags of rubbish during the morning.

One of those helping the children at Ysgol Manod was teacher Manon Jones-Evans, who said: “The children were shocked by how much litter was found but greatly enjoyed a chance to make a difference to their area.”

Megan Thorman, environmental project officer with the Dref Werdd, said: “We had an amazing morning with the children. After showing the children what was rubbish and what could be recycled, they all made an effort to make sure that what was collected was put in the right bag.

“The children were so enthusiastic and eager to take part, and I think they would have carried on all afternoon if they’d had the chance! I would like to thank Gwynedd Council’s Caru Cymru project and Council staff for the disposal of the bags.”

Local Gwynedd councillor Annwen Daniels, who is also a board member of Dref Werdd, said: “It’s great to see the children get the chance with Dref Werdd to go out into the community to help remove litter. This initiative is an education and good experience for the children, but it also shows those responsible for the mess that our children are willing to lead with the message that everyone should put rubbish in a bin.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday