Lyng student’s ‘rubbish’ artwork features on waste collection vehicles

A pupil at Lyng Church of England Primary School has won an art competition to help brighten up one of Breckland district’s waste collection vehicles.
 

L-r: Cllr Keith Gilbert; Emma Lewins, Breckland Council waste management and engagement officer; Cllr Gordon Bambridge, chairman of Breckland Council; Katie Leigh and her winning design; Jamie Walker, Serco refuse and recycling supervisor; and Jill Leigh

 
Eleven-year-old Katie Leigh, who lives in Reepham, was among some 400 children from seven of the district’s schools who took part in a competition organised by Breckland Council’s Environmental Waste team.
 
The children were tasked with creating pictures that would encourage residents to recycle more at home and find out more about the range of materials that can be recycled.
 
The entries were then judged by representatives from Breckland Council and Serco, the council’s household general waste and recycling collection service provider, who were looking for creativity, originality and a clear call to action for residents across the district.
 
Katie, who will start at Reepham High School in September, was the winner in the 8-11 year-old category; her entry says “Recycle – make the world go round”.
 
In addition to seeing their artwork printed at a large size and adorning the two waste collection vehicles, the two winners will each receive a £20 book token and their school will receive a children’s bench made from recycled materials.
 
Cllr Lynda Turner, Breckland Council’s deputy leader, said these “mini-masterpieces” demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of recycling.
 
“I’m delighted that so many children took part in the competition and we’ve been able to engage with such a broad number of the district’s youngsters.
 
“I hope people will now look out for their pictures on the side of the waste collection trucks over the next few weeks and be inspired by their important messages.”
 
The competition was launched during Recycle Week at the end of June, which also saw Breckland’s officers visiting a number of schools across the district to talk to children about waste and recycling and what happens to the things they throw away.
 

Lyng Church of England Primary School student Katie Leigh with her prize-winning picture that now adorns one of Breckland District Council’s waste collection vehicles

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