PRIMARY pupils in Clydebank organised and took part in a litter pick after being surprised by the amount of rubbish at the Forth and Clyde Canal.

A team of primary six and seven pupils at Clydemuir Primary are working towards their John Muir award, which encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.

While walking along the canal the pupils witnessed the amount of litter.

To try to improve the area the youngsters, along with their teacher and BHive Bowling Harbour, planned and organised four Paddle Pick Up sessions.

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The eco-friendly trips involved the pupils walking to litter pick along the canal path, as well as a litter pick in canoes on the canal itself.

Jasmin Tulloch, teacher at Clydemuir Primary, said: “The pupils have learned a lot during this project including the physical skills of paddling a canoe and working in a team; water safety; the effects of litter on the environment; and the history and engineering of the canal.

“We are proud of our efforts to clean up the area but much more has to be done to stop the litter getting there in the first place. The children were shocked by the amount of plastics all over the place, though we did find a few interesting bits of rubbish too.”