PUPILS from Stanwell School have been clearing the beaches at Barry Island and Penarth as part of a litter picking initiative with the Vale Council's visible services department.

The successful partnership, in its fifth year, is funded by Keep Wales Tidy and also features as part of the school’s BTEC Work Skills curriculum.

Mr R Deighton-Jones, head of careers at Stanwell, said “This project helps develop the pupil’s team-working and communications skills along with a respect for their community. The pupils enjoy volunteering and when they return to school they write about these experiences for their BTEC course work. It also enables pupils to gain a greater understanding of being global citizens and a sustainable future.”

The initiative demonstrates to all involved that litter on local beaches, such as polystyrene fast food containers, can be avoided, and that there is real value in keeping communities clean.

Cllr Rob Curtis, cabinet member for environment and visible services, said: “This fantastic partnership shows what can be achieved when people work together to improve their community.”