THE council is hoping to be littered with entries for a competition to promote a clean environment.

Some primary and high schools in the borough have already agreed to take up the challenge but more entrants are being sought.

The Schools Environmental Awareness Prize aims to highlight a range of green issues, with this year's theme centring on litter.

Environment chairman Councillor Wayne Campbell said: "We hope the new competition will reinforce the message to young people that they are very much a part of the community in which they live and that they have a role to play in protecting and enhancing their own environment. "The competition is intended to encourage a positive attitude among children towards their surroundings and encourage them to appreciate the potential benefits, such as creating a better environment.

Prizes total £800 and winners will also pick up plaques to go on show at their schools.

Education and awareness officer Keith Holland added: "Each year there will be a different theme to the competition and for 2001 we have chosen litter.

Groups of children from Key Stages 1,2 and 3 will be encouraged to make a model, write a short story or carry out a litter survey while suggesting ways in which problems of littering can be addressed."

Each activity covers a number of syllabus requirements and can be incorporated into normal teaching activity. In future years, winning entries will be displayed at Bury's annual Environment Fair.

The deadline for entries is the end of the summer term. Schools wanting to find out more can contact Mr Holland on 253 6189.