A group of school children have become eco-warriors as they attempt to reduce litter and make Dorset more green.

Working with campaign group, Litter Free Coast and Sea and Dorset County Council Sustainable Schools, pupils from Damers First School's Eco Club have been on a mission to reduce the number of single use plastic bottles by asking businesses in Poundbury to sign up to the 'Refill Scheme'.

Businesses that sign up to the scheme agree to fill up people’s water bottles for free aiming to encourage people to have a reusable water bottle rather than reaching for a disposable plastic one.

Charlie Wild, Litter Free Coast & Sea project officer said: "Refill is a great way to get people aware of reducing their single use plastic. It’s also a great from a health aspect, encouraging people to drink more water. For businesses, it helps reduce their rubbish and recycling, whilst showing customers that they have an invested interest in the local environment."

Damers First School got involved after being inspired by National Recycling Week in September, during which the school held a special recycling assembly and all children took part learning about the impact of waste in the environment.

Edd Moore, Eco Club coordinator, said: "From all this the children wanted to do their bit locally to help cut down on the use of plastic that can cause so much harm to the environment and marine wildlife."

Children from the Eco Club wrote to local businesses in Poundbury, explaining the Refill Scheme, and why it was important to get involved.

After just one afternoon, they had signed up 18 businesses in the town, with more expressing interest since.

Each business involved in the scheme displays a ‘refill here’ blue sticker in their window to show customers it’s OK to ask for water.

Alison Jay, Sustainable Schools project officer at Dorset County Council, said: "This brilliant scheme will make a real difference to people in Poundbury and to the environment. It just shows what a group of confident and knowledgeable children can achieve. They are just the sort of champions the world needs, and a great example of an eco-school working in the wider community to make a difference."

There are now more than100 'Refill' stations in Dorset, ranging from more obvious venues such as cafes and coffee shops, to slightly more obscure ones such as a publishing company and estate agents.

Mr Wild said: "Single use plastic bottles are still one of the most common items of litter we find on litter picks and beach cleans. It is a simple switch that will make a big difference – both here in Dorset, and further afield."

To discover more about the refill stations in Dorset, visit www.litterfreecoastandsea.co.uk or contact the Litter Free Coast and Sea team on 01305 224731.