LITTER bugs have been all but stamped out at a primary school in Westhoughton.

Instead, they have been replaced by the more environmentally friendly Clean Bugs.

The Clean Bug is the brainchild of young members of the Eco-Club at St James’ CE Primary School in Daisy Hill.

It is hoped the tidy-up mascot will inspire other pupils to dispose of their litter properly.

The club’s Eco-Patrol sub-committee usually embarks on regular litter picks around the school, but they came up with the new club mascot to ensure school grounds were clear of rubbish all the time. Year One teacher Julie Stevens said: “The children came up with the idea of a mascot, designed by Alexandra Hemmings, a member of the club, to encourage everyone to put their litter in the bin.

“Those who do are rewarded with a token, and those who collect a number of tokens are given a recycled badge.”

She added: “Eco-Patrol members stand at the litter bins and handout the tokens to the children.

“The school grounds are very clean as a result.

“It was a really good idea by the Eco-Club, and members explained the idea of Clean Bug in assembly.”

Now the Eco-Club is hoping to embark on a community clean up, using money they have raised to buy litter pickers and high-visibility jackets.

Members are also going to write to Bolton Council asking for more bins to be placed in the community.

Miss Stevens said: “This is the next step of the project. Children noticed when they were walking home that there was litter in the community and now want to do something about this and start up clubs to clean up the community.”