A GROUP of East End children have been recognised for their dedication to helping the environment.

Sunnyside Ocean Defenders from Sunnyside Primary School in Craigend have scooped the WWF Green Team Award for their innovative approach to promoting sustainability projects within their school and local community.

The school will receive a £500 prize, courtesy of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help further their green work and each pupil within the Green Team will be awarded an animal adoption from WWF.

Dr Sam Gardner, acting director at WWF Scotland, said: “We were really impressed at how pupils from Sunnyside Primary School have used creative ways to implement sustainability projects within their school – from Under the Sea Discos raising awareness about their pupil-led plastics campaign, to the creation of their Bear Aware’campaign highlighting simple activities that everyone can do to reduce the effects of climate change.”

The youngsters, who are in the running for an Evening Times Community Championship title after nabbing the Young Award at the competition’s north east heats in March, created the #Nae StrawAtAw campaign to encourage a blanket ban of plastic straws throughout the city.

The move prompted Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Airport and CalMac Ferries promise to back the campaign.

But the group haven’t stopped there and are now working to see the end of all plastic which can be disposed of in the sea, causing harm for the wildlife who call it home.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, city convener for education, skills and early years, said: “Congratulations to all at Sunnyside Primary who have now notched up an impressive array of awards for their amazing conservation campaigning over the last few years.

“Not only are the children and teachers avid campaigners – they are also incredibly persuasive on social media and have won many hearts – and businesses to take action – with their Nae Straw At Aw project.

“Well done Sunnysiders!”

Judges were impressed with the entry from Sunnyside Primary School as it highlighted a whole school approach to exploring the environment around them and learning about challenging issues such as climate change and the protection of our oceans.

The annual awards, which are part of WWF’s flagship Green Ambassadors scheme, showcase the “very best examples of schools putting environment and sustainability at the heart of what they do”.

Actor and WWF supporter Cel Spellman, who launched the Green Ambassador Awards in March 2018, added: “I want to congratulate all of the teachers and pupils at Sunnyside Primary School for winning the Green Team award.

“We can’t wait to hear what exciting plans they have next for our environment.”