AUTHOR Terry Deary will join in a school recycling scheme's celebrations at the weekend.

The writer of the popular Horrible Histories will meet youngsters from the Schools and Charities in Sunderland (Sacs) recycling project in the Museum and Winter Gardens on Saturday.

He will hand out certificates and listen to pupils' ideas for recycling.

More than 8,000 youngsters took part in this year's initiative.

Steve Graham, sustainability coordinator at Sunderland City Council, said: "The project teams up with schools, environmental organisations and charities to raise young people's awareness of global environmental and social issues, as well as those closer to home, through recycling clothes, toys and books."

Money from selling collected items goes towards projects at home and abroad run by charities, including Oxfam, Save the Children and St Benedict's Hospice.

These charities teamed up with St Anthony's RC School, Holley Park and Town End primary schools.

Organisations that have been supporting the schools include EnCams - the national recycling charity - WasteWise, and the council's environmental health team.

On Saturday, between 10.30am and noon, there will be presentations to the regeneration area recycling competition winners - schools that recycled the most per pupil.

The winners receive a certificate and a grant towards the cost of a class trip to a regional environmental centre.

Councillor Ian Galbraith, Sunderland City Council cabinet member for the environment, said: "What amazes me is that year after year we see young people up to the age of 18 getting so enthusiastic about recycling - and about saving the environment while helping charities."