THE ECO Crew from Damers First School have commended a restaurant in Dorchester for its commitment to reducing the amount of plastic it uses.

The Engine Room restaurant in Poundbury Gardens received a Surfers Against Sewage Business Champion Plaque from the children.

It was awarded this prize for replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives. For example, the restaurant uses biodegradable cups, wooden cutlery and paper straws for takeaways.

The pupils of Damers First School have been working with Dorchester Town Council, Dorchester BID and Litter Free Dorset to achieve Surfers Against Sewage plastic free community status in Dorchester.

Targeting businesses in the town as part of this national campaign, which aims to inspire, unite and empower communities to protect oceans, beaches, waves and wildlife, Damers Eco Crew is hoping to sign up at least 12 businesses so the town can receive plastic free status by June 2019.

Lisa Bond from Poundbury Gardens explained: “Looking after the environment is at the heart of what we do at the group and we have implemented many green initiatives at all three of our centres, so we were delighted to be a part of Damers Eco Crew’s campaign.

"It is so refreshing to see the next generation taking the future of their planet into their own hands, encouraging and inspiring businesses to think about their impact on the environment. We wish them the best of luck in helping Dorchester Town Council achieve plastic free status by the summer.”