Schoolgirls helping community by collecting bags of rubbish

Ashurst Primary School pupils Phoebe Kay and Grace Leigh, both 10, have been taking bin bags up to clear rubbish around Chain Lane shops and the area around the community centre.

The girls have won the praise for their community-minded spirit.

Phoebe and Grace collecting rubbish

"When I asked her why did they do it, Phoebe said they were concerned not only with the litter but with the effect plastic waste has on wildlife and the environment," said grandmother Linda Eckersall.

"She felt something needed to be done and they were both willing to do it, hopefully other children and adults may decide to do similar in other areas.

"There's been a lot in the media about the state of roads and parks.

"She decided one weekend, we'll do something about it. It was at the start of the year before they went back to school.

"They started and followed on every weekend."

Items of rubbish collected

Linda added: "A lot of people have noticed them and commented and said how good they are.

"They just decided to go round there, it's not too far from where either of them live.

"They've taken photos of the rubbish they've got.

"They're doing their best and what what they can."