SCHOOLCHILDREN are embarking on a mission to clean up Bridport – and it’s been met with approval by the town’s mayor Maggie Ray.

Youth town councillors met with Cllr Ray, Cllr David Rickard and Richard Nicholls of the Campaign to Protect Rural England to finalise plans for their anti-litter campaign.

Pupils from across the area will be brainstorming designs in the hope of seeing their idea transformed into a poster to be put up in Bridport.

The winner of each poster competition in individual schools will be pitted against each other to come up with a final three, which will be judged in June, to be professionally printed and used in the promotion of the anti-litter campaign.

Colin Hayley, headteacher of Symondsbury Primary School, said the project complements many in-school eco campaigns.

He said: “It’s something that’s had a lot of success in Dorchester and is now being rolled out this side of the county.

“There was a very positive message from the mayor. She said it’s great that the children are not only talking about what needs to be done, but doing something practical to help.

“It’s often said that children are littering the place, and now they are doing their bit to help make it clean and tidy.”

Eco-projects within schools are widely promoted and the Youth Town Council were keen to make the poster competition idea come about.

Mr Hayley added: “The children are very keen to show that the youth of the area really care about their environment.

“They spoke passionately about the subject and really want to make a difference.”

The Youth town councillors and school eco-representatives are now looking for sponsorship and support from the community to help with their plans – with the Campaign for Rural England kicking off with a generous £200 donation to help with final printing costs. n Anyone wishing to help with the campaign can contact the Youth members through Symondsbury School office by calling 01308 423502.