Litter bins in Earley are getting a make-over thanks to a Wokingham Borough Council-organised competition.

Approximately 50 class six pupils from Hillside Primary School competed to design winning posters to encourage people to use the bins for their rubbish.

Presenting prizes of cinema tickets to the five winners, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment Cllr Gary Cowan said: "It is important that young people are aware that litter should be put in the right place and these projects help to do that."

Officers at the council also took the opportunity to encourage children and families to join the Adopt a Street Initiative in Earley. More than 180 people have currently adopted a local street, encouraging responsible behaviour, promoting community spirit and making sure the street is kept clean and tidy.

Hillside Primary headteacher Kelly Gauld said: “This sounds a very good initiative and perhaps the children could adopt internal areas around the school and keep them tidy.”

Next year’s Wokingham Borough annual litter pick is scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2012. Anyone interested in taking part can contact their local town or parish council or the borough council’s community or street care teams.

The poster competition was a joint initiative between the council’s waste team and community wardens and Hillside Primary School’s Mr Pearman.