A RECYCLING scheme has launched to get primary school children to learn valuable lessons about the environment and give back to a very worthy cause.

Berkshire schools are being encouraged by an initiative set up by The Salvation Army to get children to fill up as many bags of unwanted clothes and shoes before the end of March.

In the hope to be crowned Michael's recycling champion, the scheme 'Recycle with Michael' aims to get primary school pupils learning about how to help the environment and what valuables should and shouldn't be thrown in the rubbish bin.

Kirk Bradley, head of corporate partnerships at The Salvation Army Trading Company said: "Mant families sort and clear their homes in the New Year. We hope our competition will encourage everyone to give unwanted items a new lease of life.

"We've tried to make the scheme as easy as possible for schools to take part in.

The programme is an easy way to get schools to generate money as the percentage of the bags financial value is donated back to the school to spend on resources.

The remaining funds raised will go to supporting The Salvation Army's important work to help vulnerable people from all walks of life in communities across the UK.

Kirk added: "By following four simple steps, schools across Berkshire can receive a percentage of proceeds from the sale of their donations directly into their school accounts.

"The initiative not only supports local children but also local communities through the work of The Salvation Army to tackle homelessness, poverty, addiction, modern slavery, unemployment and loneliness."

Primary school children will be taught about the importance of recycling, through fun and engaging presentations, posters and lesson plans which teach environmental and charitable messages.

Schools can sign up at https://www.recyclewithmichael.co.uk/ to register and request recycling bags.