TWO primary schools in Hartlepool are doing their bit to help local charities while protecting the environment.
St Bega's and St Helen's schools have joined forces with Hartlepool Borough Council and national environmental organisation Encams to pilot a project in the town.
It involves schools selecting a charity, then pupils are asked to bring unwanted items from home to raise money.
St Bega's has chosen the Salvation Army, while St Helen's opted for the Hartlepool Hospice. Pupils are also learning more about the charities.
Emma Tierney, the borough council's health and environment co-ordinator, said: "The project increases pupils' knowledge and understanding of the environment and demonstrates that young people can play an important role.
"The initiative is one way of encouraging children to reuse items that would otherwise be thrown away, ending up in landfill sites.
"So far, the two schools have raised £450 for the two charities, bringing in unwanted clothes, books, toys and bric-a-brac."
Diane Ward, of Encams, said: "The project in Hartlepool has been very successful so far and there is every chance that it will be extended."
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