TWO Kidderminster pupils have set up a lunchtime litter pick with donated equipment in an effort to clean up their school.

Izzie Parker-L'Huillier and Issie Cannon, both aged eight, started running lunchtime clean-ups at Franche Primary School to get students thinking about wildlife and the planet.

The duo told The Shuttle: "We want to encourage everyone to think about the planet and less about themselves.

"We want to help protect the wildlife and keep them safe - and it makes our school cleaner."

Now, thanks to 25 new pickers, which were gifted by The Pickup Artists after a donation from Izzie's mum and district councillor Anna L'Huillier, more children will be able to get involved.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The litter pickers were presented to the school's Eco Council by Cllr L'Huillier and Karen Blanchfield, leader of The Junior Pickup Artists, last week. The pair will also be taking Franche students out on community litter picks as part of their school curriculum.

Cllr L'Huillier said: "I donated some of the money from my Community Fund to the Pickup Artists, who in turn donated 25 litter pickers to the school.

"As a family, we regularly go litter picking, so I am delighted to fund this donation from the amazing Pickup Artists.

"Myself and Karen are very excited to work with the school on a weekly basis to bring the children's enthusiasm out into the community for the benefit of all."

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Karen added: "This is a true example of why we should listen to children. As proved, they can be very powerful at raising awareness at times."

Franche teacher Rosie Clark, who runs the Eco Council, said: "We have set up the Eco Council, putting the children's ideas at the forefront.

"The two Izzies have already set up lunchtime litter picks, which will now be extended to enrichment, meaning we can litter pick in the community each week.

"It gives us a way to focus on eco matters within our curriculum."