STAN’S the man at Yorkley Primary School after inspiring his classmates to do their bit for the environment by giving up part of their lunch break to collect litter.

The school started its first ever lunchtime club dedicated to picking up each other’s rubbish after Year 2 pupil Stan voiced his concerns about the amount of litter he sees around the Forest and in the school playground.

Stan said he was particularly worried about the discarded face masks he sees in the local area and the low-level litter which doesn’t always make it into the bins provided at school.

His teachers and classmates were inspired by his enthusiasm and set up the club to help protect the local environment for wildlife.

And, in recognition of the pupils’ commitment, Forest of Dean District Council has donated litter pickers to aid the club’s cause.

Councillor Sid Phelps, who is cabinet member for environment at the district council, said: “Stan’s enthusiasm for looking after the environment around where he lives has been an inspiration to his classmates, his teachers and to us.  

“So, when the school approached us about donating some litter picking equipment, we were delighted to oblige.

“Educating our younger generations not to drop litter and about the problems it causes, is one way to help break the cycle of littering and we hope the actions of Stan and the club to tidy up, will be a catalyst for others to get involved in looking after their communities and the open areas around where they live.”

Year 2 Teacher Lesley Payne said: “Pupils are encouraged to value their outdoor spaces and areas of the curriculum touch upon the impact that litter has on the environment, on wildlife and on human health so we’ve been really pleased to be able to launch the new club with the support of the district council.”