A SUPER-RECYCLER from Okehampton has won a county award for her hard work to protect Devon's environment.

Fran Rickwood, Okehampton Primary School's eco school co-ordinator, has won the school recycling hero adult category of the inaugural Recycle Devon Thank You awards. The awards have been founded to mark the tenth anniversary of the Don't Let Devon Go to Waste campaign.

She beat nominees from Great Torrington School and Holsworthy Primary to clinch the award. Working tirelessly for Okehampton Primary, often in her own time,

Fran has obtained grants and worked on a number recycling projects and encourages pupils and staff to recycle everything possible. 

She was the driving force behind the school achieving a prestigious Green Flag award in 2011 and has set up facilities for the children to grow vegetables for use in the school.

'It is a whole school effort really, although winning the title of recycling school hero is rather grand. It was a great day — seeing the things that other people are doing in Devon was incredible, and made our work here at the primary school seem small in comparison.

'It really is great to be recognised and very nice to get this award.'

She received her recycled glass trophy at an award ceremony on Thursday, January 31 at County Hall, hosted by Heart Radio presenters Matt and Caroline.

Chairman of the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, Councillor Mike Walters said: 'The Recycle Devon Thank You awards were created to recognise the unsung recycling heroes across the county. We wanted to say a special thank you for everything that they do to ensure that Devon does not go to waste.

'You have not let us down and we have been truly amazed at the enthusiasm and unselfish efforts, usually on a voluntary basis, that you all go to to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

'On behalf of the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee and personally, I would like to say thank you to you all. You are all winners.'