A PROJECT which takes recycling into the classroom is being extended to schools in the Sunderland area.

WasteWise has been running for three years in Durham and Darlington, encouraging youngsters to become more environmentally aware and think about how their rubbish can be reused.

Now a £100,000 grant from the County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT), which supports environmental projects by distributing money raised in Landfill Tax, is paying for the project to expand.

It was launched yesterday at St Mary's RC Primary School in the Meadowside area of Sunderland.

WasteWise officers will visit classes and school assemblies as well as telling teachers and parents about practical recycling.

WasteWise manager Richard Hurst said: "Since WasteWise was set up three years ago with the help of CDENT, we have worked very successfully with schools in County Durham and Darlington.

"Now with further support from CDENT we will be developing even more services as we work with Sunderland schools such as themed projects looking at using art or music to educate pupils about the environment."

St Mary's RC Primary School headteacher Christine Taylor said: "We are very enthusiastic about the launch of this initiative in Sunderland.

"It is important for young people to understand environmental issues and by working flexibly with schools will spark their interest with innovative ideas."

CDENT chairman John Wearmouth said: "WasteWise can provide practical help and lots of ideas to help Sunderland schools implement waste and recycling schemes within their own school grounds."