IN a bid to make children more environmentally conscious, Newbarns Primary joined up with The Mail and Kimberly-Clark to freshen up the school's playing field on Thursday.

Nearly 40 children cleared the field and surrounding area of plastic, tins, an incinerator bin, and even a wellie-bob or two.

Thankfully, the pupils, members of Kimberly-Clark, and volunteers from Beacon Hill Methodist Church were all in good spirits during the sunny spring morning.

School reception teacher, Pamela Bain said: "It's important to push children into learning about caring for the natural environment.

"As well as doing the Big Clean with Kimberly-Clark, we have recently started a Forest School Area at the bottom of our field - which the children planted themselves.

"We also work regularly with Barrow council through surveys about reducing our energy consumption as much as possible."

Mrs Bain also spoke about the school's 'eco council'.

"We have two representatives from each primary class, who will teach the children about recycling and the dangers of waste pollution."

Speaking after the Big Clean, Kimberly-Clark site manager, Graham Ellis, said: "It's great to see children so enthusiastic and environmentally caring.

"What I've noticed since speaking to the Newbarns children is they seem to be very aware of the environmental problems the planet is facing today.

"Compared to 10-15 years ago, we've taken massive strides in teaching the next generation of how to maintain the eco-system."

Lilian Wood, Beacon Hill Methodist Church, said: "We're located next to the school, so we want to get involved with more environmental-friendly projects.

"Helping the children is great - they're earth's next custodians."

If you have organised a clean up call 01229 840150.