THANKS to Year Seven pupils at the Dean Academy in Lydney, people from across the community grabbed their litter pickers and came together to tackle rubbish in the town recently.

Pupils from Severnbanks and Primrose Hill schools joined in along with representatives from the community, including Nina Summerfield from St Mary’s Church and local councillors Kevin White and Harry Ives.

The event was the brain child of a group of Year Seven students from the Dean Academy, who presented their ideas to Lydney Town Council in January, about incorporating a community litter pick with a fun-filled treasure hunt.

Cllr Ives said: “The council was really impressed with the litter picking idea that the students presented to us. We felt it was a great way to bring together different groups within the community.

“I am really happy to be taking part. Credit must go to Emily Smith the assistant head at the academy for making the event happen; it is a real victory.”

Tom Beveridge, head of school at the Dean Academy, thanked everyone for their support adding: “This is a great opportunity for different generations to come together and do something positive for the community.”

Taking part from the Dean Academy were Charlotte Allen, Carrie Horrocks-Waskett, Maisie James, Ella Lewis, Leo Loew, Owen Green, Bradley Willetts and Alfie Brown.

Getting busy with their litter pickers from Severnbanks Primary were Jasmyne Aston, Alfie Buffin, Alisha Carling, Adele Cullis, Leah Davies, Lewis Emery, Ashleigh Goodall, Courtney Jones, Kieran Lodder, Ben Nash, Alfie Nelmes, Ruby Nelmes, Sarah O’Brien, Shane Parker, Scarlett Sosna, Declan Tonks, Taylor Turley and Tristan Wilhelm.

From Primrose Hill Church of England Academy pupils Esme Turner, Imogen Powell, Bethany-May Pudge and Kenzie Watkins helped tackle the trash.