PUPILS at a Wee County primary school rolled up their sleeves last week to clean up the streets with a huge litter pick.

Youngsters from all classes at Deerpark Primary School took part in a litter pick across the school grounds and in the Sauchie community as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful's Big Spring Clean.

The initiative is part of the school's aim to gain another Green Flag award and was an opportunity for parents and carers to get involved too.

Kirstie Robertson, P5 teacher and eco lead at Deerpark PS, told the Advertiser: "The litter pick was the Eco Committee's idea as part of our process of getting our Green Flag award.

"They wanted to do something that brought together the opportunity for parents and carers to come in – post-Covid-19 – but also to go beyond the school and help the community as well.

"Each class asked for volunteers. There's family members from all the classes [helping] which is super."

Although the litter pick was the school's Eco Committee's idea, every pupil was able to contribute.

Kirstie continued: "It's been a group effort, the management team, myself as the eco lead and just the kids that are part of the community.

"All the kids have a say so even though there's a committee they take it to their class and get everybody's thoughts and feelings so it's definitely been a big team effort.

"They're able to see that the little things that they do can make a big difference and I think bringing in their parents and carers to get involved with them takes it that little bit further."

Not only is the school cleaning up the community, there are also exciting plans for the school's grounds.

Kirstie added: "As part of getting the flag we're in the process of developing an eco/sensory garden within the school grounds. That's one of our next steps which is quite exciting."

As well as making a difference to the school and their community, the children have learned a valuable lesson to take forward.

"They were so chuffed," Kirstie continued. "They gathered so much stuff.

"Not only are they quite chuffed with themselves, they're actually disappointed with how much they found so I think it's given them a bit of a boost to try to tell people not to litter in their local area."

Heather McLaughlin, campaigns coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, praised Deerpark pupils for their actions in cleaning up Sauchie.

She said: 'I'm delighted to hear how pupils at Deerpark primary are taking action against litter by joining in with our Spring Clean.

"It's great to see children thinking about litter and waste, challenging themselves and stepping up by doing something about the problem – as well as setting a wonderful example for others in their community."