Coleshill Infant School in Amersham was crowned winner of the Salvation Army’s county-wide competition encouraging recycling in schools, as part of its 'Recycle with Michael' initiative to divert thousands of tonnes of unnecessary clothing from landfills.

The purpose of Recycle with Michael is to educate many young people the importance of recycling in a fun, intuitive way offering many school materials such as presentations, posters and many other things.

During the initiative, over 5,110 pupils from 18 schools in Buckinghamshire took part collectively donating 5.23 tonnes of unwanted clothes and shoes. Coleshill CE donated 0.28 tonnes, the most from all 18 schools.

The winning school were paid a surprise visit on May 9 from the scheme’s mascot, Michael, of whom presented a trophy and certificate to Coleshill’s Acting Headteacher Mrs Hewat as a thank you to for the school’s hard work.

Kirk Bradley, Head of Corporate Partnerships at The Salvation Army, said: “We’re delighted to name the pupils from Buckinghamshire’s Coleshill CE Infant School our ‘Recycle with Michael’ champions.

"We were overwhelmed by the school’s response to the campaign and the dedication of pupils and staff in promoting and acting on the recycling message.

“Our van was full to the brim on collection day thanks to all the donations. In fact, participation in the competition across the whole county has been amazing.

"We hope this is the start of a determined drive to give unwanted items a new lease of life – turning clothes, shoes and textiles into funds for local schools as well as for our charitable work.”