PUPILS at Okehampton Primary have helped to spearhead an initiative aimed to 'Keep Okehampton Tidy'.

The school's environmental work recently caught the attention of the town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, as the pupils of Kes Tor Class wrote individual letters to the mayor about the overuse of plastic shopping bags and the state of littering in the town.

Cllr the Rev Davies made an unexpected visit to the school last week to thank the children for their letters, and to let them know that action was now being taken to improve the littering situation in the town.

Saturday, April 27 has now been officially declared 'Keep Okehampton Tidy' day — the mayor is asking the town's many voluntary groups and organisations to turn out on the day and help clear up litter around the town.

Children from the school will be helping to tidy up the paths and streets near the school.

Cllr the Rev Davies said: 'I was very impressed by the letters sent into me by members of Kes Tor class. Each letter was packed with eye-opening information, and it was very clear that the children care deeply about littering, and the environment. It is really good that Kes Tor class took the initiative to contact me and I hope they can see we are hearing their concerns and taking action.

'As mayor, litter around the town is one of the things people come to me to talk about most often. Involving the primary school and community groups to tidy up Okehampton and promote the idea of keeping the town tidy will hopefully inspire those dropping litter to think again.'

Among the organisations already pledged to turn out is the Ockment Rivers Improvement Group. Christine Marsh, of the group, joined the mayor on his visit to the primary school to talk about the organisation and its vital work keeping the rivers of Okehampton clean of litter.

Mrs Marsh said: 'We need all the help and volunteers we can get. We meet every last Saturday of the month at 10am at the recycling bins in Waitrose car park. Anyone can contact me on 01837 52350 or Neil on 01837 53114, or just turn up on Saturdays.'

The group is also helping with river dipping on Bluebell Sunday at Okehampton Castle on Sunday, May 12.

Police inspector Andy Oliver and PCSOs Danielle Moore-Dunstan and Becky Tolley also joined the mayor on the day to talk to the children about the importance of putting litter in a bin.

The core group will meet on April 27 at the entrance to Okehampton Primary School at 9.30am. The river improvement group will meet at 10am at the recycling bins in Waitrose car park.

On the day, anyone can help do their bit by going out and picking up any litter they see. Rubbish collected can be delivered to Okehampton Primary School by 2.30pm on the day, or bagged up correctly and put out with normal household rubbish and the recycling collection.

If you or your organisation would like to pledge support, call Cllr the Rev Davies on 07771 933718 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] Alternatively, call the town hall on 01837 53179.