Children make models from a load of rubbish

And when asked to create something useful for their community from a bag of recycled materials, there wasn't a rubbish idea in sight.

The youngsters from six local high schools were invited to the Longfield Suite in Prestwich last week to take part in the Enterprise Recycle competition, organised by the Bolton and Bury Education Business Partnership.

Supported by Groundwork Bury and Greater Manchester Waste, the competition was aimed at raising pupils' awareness of recycling and engaging them in a practical task that would teach them about the importance of re-using waste products.

Each school had a team of four Year 10 pupils, plus a member of staff, and their task was to create something innovative that could be used in the community to teach other people about recycling.

The groups were given a large bag of recyclable materials, such as old CDs, plastic containers, bubble wrap, textiles and paper and the finished models were judged by representatives from Bury Council, Groundwork Bury and Greater Manchester Waste.

The judges were impressed with the variety of ideas, which included a "Park of the Future" by Prestwich Community High, a "Recycling Rover" by Derby High, a "Drama Centre" by Castlebrook and a "Recycling Bin" aimed at young children, by Coney Green High School.

But it was Bury's St Gabriel's idea of making a selection of learning toys aimed at raising awareness of recycling issues with young children that won them first place.

The event will be repeated in Bolton with six more schools and the winners from both towns will be treated to a visit to a company which manufactures recycled products.

Maureen Topping from the Bolton and Bury Education Business Partnership said of the event: "It was a great day which both the judges and competitors really enjoyed. The young people worked really hard together and showed real teamwork. They put a lot of thought and effort into their ideas and it showed."