A ROBOT is visiting schools this week to increase youngsters' awareness of environmental issues.

Cycler raps, dances and sings to highlight the importance of the 3Rs - reduce, re-use and recycle.

He belongs to the national organisation Waste Watch, a registered charity.

He has visited St Joseph's, Clavering, Stranton, St John Vianney and St Helen's primary schools in Hartlepool during the week.

Clare Belcher, Hartlepool Borough Council's community composting and recycling officer, said: "We are always looking for new and innovative ways of promoting recycling, composting and waste minimisation, so we are delighted to have secured Cycler's services.

"Our schools already do a lot of very good work in this field, and the aim of his visits is to build on that. He seems to get rave reviews wherever he goes and we expect him to really capture the imaginations of the youngsters at the schools selected for a visit.

"Many of the children will be householders in the town in the future, and it is important that they grow up understanding and appreciating the importance of recycling and composting."