AN Okehampton teacher who inspired her pupils to campaign against plastic waste and carry out litter picks in their local area has been recognised for her efforts.

Emma Goodwin, who teaches year four children at Okehampton Primary School, was named runner up in the school recycling hero (adult) category of this year's Recycle Devon Thank You awards.

She was nominated by her sister after a classroom project on sustainability and the seas inspired her pupils to write letters to the local mayor and others about the damage plastic litter can cause to the environment.

Emma went on to help the children organise two Keep Okehampton Tidy litter picks around the town and produce a campaign display for a local supermarket.

She also runs an after-school club called 'Wildlife Warriors' which helps pupils to get more involved with protecting the natural environment.

Emma said: 'I'm delighted to receive a reward for the environmental learning activities I provide at school.

'Inspiring and motivating children to have a love of the world around them, and make a positive difference to the local and global environment, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a teacher.'

The Recycle Devon Thank You Awards are now in their second year and were created to recognise unsung recycling heroes across the county.

Recycle Devon works in partnership with West Devon Borough Council to promote waste reduction, recycling and reuse across the local area. Emma was presented with a trophy made of recycled glass.