PUPILS at a Darlington school are the first to be presented with a Caring for the Environment Award for their involvement in an anti-litter campaign.

Youngsters at Whinfield Junior School were given the certificate yesterday by Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council.

It awards the school for its commitment to tackling litter in and around the school grounds.

Staff and pupils have taken part in litter-picking sessions in the school grounds and designed posters and written poems, short stories and rap songs about the problem of rubbish.

The school's efforts are part of Darlington council's anti-litter campaign, backed by The Northern Echo, which aims to keep the town's streets rubbish free.