School council’s day out for Penwortham litter pick

They may be small, but they can make a “big difference.”

Children from St Teresa’s Primary in Penwortham have been learning about the impact they can make on their local community – and the world – by taking part in a litter pick in the town.

Ten members of the school council joined in with the annual event, organised by two local businesses, which saw four bin bags of rubbish collected in just over two hours.

Year 6 pupil Margaret, 11, said: “It was an experience that I will never forget, helping to keep Penwortham clean and tidy.

“It may sound small, but it can make a big difference.”

Her year fellow school council members Felicity, nine, and James age 10, also had a good time.

Felicity said: “It was amazing helping the environment by picking up the litter.”

And James added: “It was very fun going around the different places, picking up litter.”

Rebecca Moffat, St Teresa’s teacher, said the school is grateful for the opportunity to take part and the chance for pupils to learn it can be fun to help others.

She said: “It is such a wonderfully organised event by Jemma and Emma. It is always the highlight of the school council’s year.

“They love coming out of school and getting involved in the local community and helping to clean up Penwortham.

“It’s important for them to learn about the impact they can have in the world, and how a little kindness and positivity can go a long way.

“This is such a great experience and gives them a huge sense of satisfaction. We’d love to encourage lots of other local schools to join us and make the event even bigger next year.”

Sporting blue gloves and wielded litter picking sticks and bin bag rings, the children set out to tackle the verges and hedgerows along Liverpool Road.

The event was organised by Jemma Lloyd, head of Vincents Solicitors’ Penwortham branch, and local funeral director Emma Evans, based on Liverpool Road.

Jemma said: “This started a few years ago and we were blown away by how enthusiastic the children were. Every year it’s a new school council and every year they are brilliant.

“We love working with St Theresa’s and would love to welcome more schools to join us for the camaraderie of the litter pick and the satisfaction of doing such a great job”

Emma Evans added: “As local businesses we are invested in our town and we want to give something back. Involving the children and seeing them experience all the benefits of doing something important for your community, just makes it extra special.”

To get involved with future Penwortham community events contact Jemma Lloyd at Vincents Solicitors on JemmaLloyd@vslaw.co.uk or 01772 751 775.

Pictured: The litter pickers: St Teresa’s School Council, teachers Mrs Moffatt and Mrs Cowan, Vincent Solicitors’ Jemma Lloyd and Emma Evans, Funeral Director