The competition gives school pupils the opportunity to research and speak their mind on topical environmental issues, including this year's event topic, 'How reducing my waste will benefit the polar bear'.

Speaking at the Coleraine heat, Fiona Watters, Waste & Recycling Officer with Coleraine Borough Council said "This competition is a great way to generate local interest in environmental issues. It gives us the opportunity to engage with schools to encourage our young people to become more aware of what they can do to lessen their impact on the environment."

Taking part in this year's competition were pupils from Ballytober Primary, St. Columba's Primary (Kilrea), Kilrea Primary and St. Patrick's, St. Joseph's Primary (Garvagh) Schools.

Winning the Coleraine heat, Katie Steele, a pupil at Ballytober Primary will go on to represent the Coleraine Borough Council area at the regional final, which will take place on 15th May in Omagh. The Grand Final will draw the best competitors together in a Northern Ireland wide competition sponsored by the Environment and Heritage Service.

Everyone received a goodie bag which included recycled pens, pencils, rulers, rubbers and frizbees.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the competition, should contact Fiona Watters, Waste & Recycling Officer with Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7272 or via fiona.watters@colerianebc.gov.uk