Students from a Newport school have been crowned winners of a competition that helps to clean up local communities – for the third time in a row.
The team from Burton Borough School took part in the Telford & Wrekin Schools Litter Picking Competition joining eight other schools and around 80 pupils altogether.
Headteacher Caroline Bedford said the rules were that in teams of up to ten, the students had two hours to collect as much rubbish as possible.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in the Great British Litter Picking Competition alongside Telford & Wrekin. This was our third year participating, and we are delighted to have won once again. Their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to caring for our local environment have been outstanding.”
The Burton Borough team won the secondary school category, and they were also named the overall competition winners with an impressive 17 bags collected.
The award was presented during a special celebration event at the school, where volunteer co-ordinator for the environment at Telford & Wrekin Council David Maiden praised the students for their efforts.
“The Great British Spring Clean is run by Keep Britain Tidy and it’s all about showing love for the places we live – getting out there to pick up litter from streets, parks and green spaces. The benefits go beyond a tidier town – it helps to protect wildlife, reduce plastic waste and even boosts our mental and physical wellbeing.
“We work with schools, businesses, and other organisations throughout the campaign. Some set up their own events while others join in with clean-ups run by the council.
“This year we held 34 local events with over 500 people taking part including school pupils, youth clubs, local businesses, junior Street Champions and local residents.
“The Schools Litter Picking Competition was part of this campaign, and we’d like to thank everyone for getting involved. For Burton Borough School to be our winners for the third year in a row is an incredible achievement.”
Also at the presentation was Councillor Paul Davis, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for strong communities, local pride and veterans.
He said: “This competition isn’t just about tidying up. What the students have done shows real care for their environment and their community. They’ve set a brilliant example for others to follow, and it speaks volumes about their commitment, teamwork, and the power of young people to make a real difference.”
This year’s Burton Borough team included: Robert Dobson (Y9), Ruby Plant (Y10), William Heighway (Y9), Henry Al‑Murani (Y7), Lucas Giles (Y8), Corben Webb (Y8), Logan Evett Massey (Y7), Connor Keeney‑Wilson (Y8), and Evelina Klegere (Y7).
