STUDENTS created their own social media campaign to tackle plastic pollution as part of an environmental workshop they attended.

Pupils from Cinderford’s Forest High School travelled to the Chateau Impney hotel in Droitwich for the event, hosted by the Midcounties Co-operative.

They developed a campaign, including an Instagram advert and hashtags, to raise awareness of plastic waste and pledged to adopt new eco-friendly habits.

Eco-environmentalist and founder of Paddle Against Plastic (PAP), Cal Major, was a key speaker at the event.

The PAP campaign aims to raise awareness of the amount of plastic washed up on beaches in the UK and find positive solutions.

Midcounties Co-operative also partnered with the Outward Bound Trust to host outdoor activities and team building exercises, to help students develop communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Now in its fourth year, the conference brought together more than 80 students and their teachers from seven schools across the UK to learn about the threats facing the planet and how to resolve them.

Alex Bennett, of Outward Bound, said: “Since 2013, the Midcounties Co-operative have delivered their Green Pioneers course at Outward Bound, so it was great to see lots of those students return and get involved.

“The Young Co-operators’ Conference included activities to suit all the students and I hope they stick to their sustainability pledges.”

Marnie Richards, Developing Young People co-ordinator at Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Protecting the environment is a priority for us and educating young people is one of the main ways we can make a difference.

“There was a great atmosphere and it was obvious the children were inspired by Cal and her efforts to save our coastlines.

“It was really encouraging to see so many students from up and down the country determined to change their behaviour to be more environmentally friendly.”