YOUNGSTERS on a summer environmental course turned a load of rubbish into a life-sized piece of art in the shape of a human.

The children collected so much litter from the stream and grass areas of Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen, that they thought it too good to waste.

And, after using a football for the dummy's head and lager bottles, cans, and wrappers for his body, the children even came across an abandoned coat to keep him warm.

Now, their only dilemma is finding a permanent and safe home for him in the woods.

The youngsters were taking part in Blackburn with Darwen Council's week-long Summerslam event, learning about photography and environmental issues.

They spent Monday and Tuesday taking photos, which they have framed to exhibit at Sunnyhurst Woods. Then, on Wednesday, they combed the woods for rubbish and decided it would be a challenge to turn it into a man.

They made the dummy on Thursday, with youth worker and event organiser Mick Huxley's help, ready for its unveiling on Friday.

Matt Donnelly, the photographer giving tuition, said that even though bad weather meant just four children turned up, they all enjoyed themselves.

"The main aim was to explore photography, but we wanted to look into environmental issues as well," he said. "We got very, very wet using our disposable cameras.

"But they had a great time. We are now trying to work out where to put the dummy."