CHILDREN have pledged to take steps to look after their world and drastically reduce consumption of plastic.

Pupils on the school council at Lunt’s Heath Primary in Widnes realised plastic pollution is damaging our oceans and hurting the environment as it is not naturally bio-degradable material.

Staff are now empowering the children to act on their beliefs and spread the word.

The pupils' single use of plastic campaign was inspired by evidence gathered by Gary and Sam Bencheghib who paddled through pollution along the Citarum River, one of the world’s most polluted rivers, on a kayak made from plastic waste.

They created a film from their expedition and won the attention of the Ministry of the Environment of Indonesia.

A short time after their film was shared on social media the government announced a two year plan to clean up the river.

After sharing the video with the school council, pupils decided on a self -driven project to inform and educate local school children and the community of the damage disposable plastic is causing.

Head teacher Andrew Williams said: "The school council has shared their passion to schools across Halton inviting them to join in with this pledge.

"Children have also joined up with another Farnworth CofE Primary School to encourage them to act with us on this important issue.

"After visiting Farnworth, our children were delighted when Farnworth School signed up to join us on this campaign."

Lunt’s Heath Primary School has pledged to take action together informing and educating their school and local community of the damage disposable plastic is causing, encouraging their family and friends to make lifestyle changes that reduce their consumption of single use plastic.

By auditing the use of single use plastic in school, they hope to reduce its consumption by half in the next 12 months and removing it entirely in two years.

Children plan to take a full audit of the school’s plastic consumption with a view to making sustainable replacements where possible.

Pupils have promised to share plastic pollution solutions with their community.

The project was launched by the mayor of Halton Cllr John Bradshaw on Thursday.

Halton Cllr Tom McInerney, board member for children, young people and families, said: "It's great that young people care so much about the environment. Let's hope others follow their lead."