A NEW team of Junior Recycling Officers are set to promote the message of recycling across South Cheshire.

More than 200 Year Six recruits, two appointed by each of Cheshire East’s 90 primary schools, have received their certificates and recycling rucksacks at launch events across the area.

Their year-long task is to promote the recycling message to classmates, teachers, family and friends through events, competitions, games and newsletters.

The officers have received advice on a range of recycling opportunities including home recycling and composting and old mobile phone and textile re-use.

Crewe councillor David Brickhill said: “The need to recycle is high on everyone’s agenda and raising awareness in the next generation can only put us in good stead for the future.

“The work of our Junior Recycling Officers is invaluable.

"Their ability to highlight the messages to such a wide audience of friends, family and the local community throughout their term in office has proven to be tremendously effective.”

Throughout the year officers will receive regular newsletters packed with ideas, information and competitions, which can be presented to the school and used to generate their own recycling ideas, schemes and projects.

The new recruits will battle it out to claim the Junior Recycling Officer of the Year award next summer after a year of environmental activity.