SCHOOL pupils and teachers joined town councillors and community police officers to help clean up litter from a town beauty spot.
Litter pickers and bin bags were at the ready as pupils and staff from Severnbank and Primrose Hill Church of England primaries swept into action with Dean Academy Year Seven youngsters around Lydney Boating Lake and alongside the recreation ground as part of a town council-organised community litter pick.
Primrose Hill pupil Jasmine Fellows, aged 11, said: “It’s important because our community might just turn into landfill if we don’t help.
“Our school value is ‘service’ and it’s important to show that, like we are doing today.”
Town councillor Claire Vaughan said: “The council has been organising these litter picks with the schools for a couple of years now, to encourage children to pick rubbish up and to be aware of their environment and the importance of keeping it clean.
“Teach youngsters early, and they will respect the community they live in.”
Primrose Hill teacher Hayley Haddock, who joined pupils picking up rubbish with fellow staff member Mel John, said: “It’s so important for them – it makes them realise their duty to the community and to respect their environment.
“We do this at school as a community day, and do litter picking and weeding.
“And it helps that it’s lovely weather.”
Sara Poole, who is a teacher at Severnbanks Primary, added: “The boating lake is part of our local community and this event helps make the children feel responsible for their environment.
“They often complain about the litter, so we’re doing something about it.
“Caring for the environment is part of our personal, social and health education, so this links in nicely with that.”
Town, district and county councillor Alan Preest also attended, and said: “Events like this, organised by Cllr Harry Ives, show we’re working very hard to address the litter problem, with three schools here today.
“These youngsters are the future of our town and they in turn will pass on their respect for the environment.”