ARTISTIC talents were put to the test when pupils designed a large poster to display on the side of a waste wagon.

Schoolchildren took part in the Recycle for Bury competition to help Bury Council’s waste management service promote recycling and increase the borough’s recycling rate to 50 per cent and more.

Carl Cheetham, from Bury Church of England High School, and Freya Hollos, from Chesham County Primary School, were chosen as winners from more than 200 entries.

Cllr Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for environment, said: “We had a fantastic response, which made choosing just two winners a really difficult task, but Carl’s and Freya’s artwork did stand out as the best of the best.”

Presentation ceremonies were held at each school where the winning pupils accepted a £100 prize for their school.

They were also given a £20 voucher as a personal reward and photographed with their winning artwork displayed on the side of a collection truck.

Peter Hudson, headteacher at Chesham CP School, said: “Hopefully, we are building a more eco-aware society for the future and the quality of the work produced by all our pupils, most especially for the poster competition, reflects how seriously our pupils approach the issue. We are very proud of Freya who has produced a high quality, well thought out and well designed poster.”

The Rev Craig Watson, headteacher of Bury CofE High, added: “As our school teaches its pupils to care for the environment, we are delighted that one of them has won the Recycle for Bury competition and that their work will be of practical help to encouraging recycling in the community.”