Pupils returning to the classroom this week have earned praise from their school for caring for the environment throughout the pandemic.

Youngsters at Greensted Junior School in Basildon have been litter-picking throughout the pandemic.

Clare Capper, the school’s assistant headteacher, established the Eco-Warriors Club two years ago.

It now boasts 30 dedicated members aged between seven and 11.

Pupils attend weekly after school meetings and give up their lunch breaks to aid the environment, while new recycling initiatives have also been put in place.

Clare is proud of the eco-friendly pupils who have continued to pick-up litter in the midst of a global pandemic.

She said: “As assistant headteacher, I couldn’t be more delighted that the pupils want to take an active role in caring for the environment around Basildon.

“They care and that is evident in the weekly litter picks that we do.

“Some pupils take their families on local litter picks to nearby parks and surrounding areas, as part of their daily exercise, so I am thrilled that whole families are becoming interested in the initiative.

“During these unprecedented times it has provided the pupils with a focus and a purpose, especially tending the gardens and vegetable patches.”

Clare feels it is important for Greensted pupils to understand the importance of caring for the community.

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She added: “Sustainability and the environment are two vital topics that we teach in every year group throughout the school.

“Personally, I have a passion for doing my bit in terms of sustainability, reducing plastic and litter picking.

“The school also has a huge profile in the local community and we constantly teach our children about the concept of citizenship and doing your bit for the local area.”

Pupils have been complying with government guidelines during their litter-picking adventures and have earned gratitude from local residents.

Steve Robson, who lives close to Greensted, said: “The work these children do to improve the local area around the school cannot be underestimated.

“They are role models for us adults!”

Clare hopes more members of the community will get involved in caring for their surroundings by joining the youngsters in picking up litter when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

She revealed: “We had planned a large litter picking day last spring, with the involvement of residents, but it was cancelled due to lockdown.

“We will reschedule that when we can in the future.”

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