A PRIMARY school in Winsford has completely ditched single-use plastics as part of its drive to keep the environment clean.

Oak View Academy will no longer use throwaway items such as plastic water bottles and children have even undertaken litter watch duties, reduced waste in their lunchboxes and written to companies urging them to clean up their acts.

Now conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage have recognised the academy’s efforts and awarded it 'Plastic Free School' status.

Teacher Nadia Notarpippo said: "We have introduced recycling bins in each class for plastic, paper and cardboard (these are then disposed of in the general recycling), reusable spray in bottles in each class for general cleaning and dishcloths which are washed and reused.

"We have written to supermarkets to ask what they are doing to use fewer single-use plastics, and we have written to our MP Edward Timpson to get his support.

"Each councillor in each year group is in charge of ensuring their class uses the recycling bin appropriately and is on 'litter watch' during their play times."

Pupils have also vowed to continue their mission with regular litter picks, awareness raising and improving air quality by planting flowers and vegetables.

Thomas Bird and Ava Brown are school councillors leading the campaign.

Northwich Guardian: Thomas Bird and Ava BrownThomas Bird and Ava Brown

Thomas, eight, said: "I am making sure there is no litter outside because we want to save the wild animals and we don't want them to die by eating rubbish."

Ava, also eight, added: "We've been makings sure everyone puts their rubbish in the right recycling bins because we don't want food in our recycling."

Executive headteacher Fiona Whittaker said: “Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to get plastic free status, and I am extremely proud of this achievement.

“As a school, we will continue to reduce plastic use and look at ways to reduce food waste and improve recycling facilities.”

Oak View Academy is part of North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which is working towards Plastic Free School status in all its schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.

Steve Docking, CEO of NWAT, said: “This is thoroughly deserved for Oak View, and we are looking forward to announcing plastic free status at all our schools by the end of this year.”