PUPILS from two Weymouth schools took part in a summer conservation project to learn more about plastic pollution in our oceans.

Southill and Conifers primary schools have designed an art installation to promote awareness about the dangers of plastic to the environment.

Emma Curtis, Teacher at Conifers Primary School, co-ordinated the project with year four pupils.

She said: “We wanted to bring the schools together and learn more about conservation in a creative way.

“The art project took place over two days, with different groups from both schools meeting to learn about the damaging impacts that plastic can have on our seas, and ways we can all reduce plastic use at home.”

The schools partnered with the Sea Life Adventure Park in Weymouth, where the children's amazing artwork is currently being displayed.

Sea Life also themed the project around their colony of Fairy Penguins.

Each student created a model of a Fairy Penguin using recycled single-use plastic bottles.

They then chose a conservation message to write and display inside the ‘belly’ window of their penguin models.

Weymouth Sea Life has put the children's model penguins on display around the waterfall inside their Fairy Penguin Island, with posters that the schools also created on the wall to explain and credit the exhibit.

Tamsin Mutton-McKnight, general manager of the Weymouth aquarium, said: “It’s been great to work with local schools who feel so passionately about reducing plastic waste and protecting our seas.

“We no longer offer plastic straws and use only palm leaf plates and wooden cutlery to reduce plastic consumption at the park.

"So when we were approached to display their artwork, we were keen to support their conservation project and to help showcase their fantastic artwork alongside our colony of Fairy Penguins.”

The children’s models can be seen on display at Weymouth Sea Life at least until the end of July.

For more information about the park and their conservation work, please visit sealifeweymouth.com.