Schoolchildren can enter a competition to win the chance to see their work displayed on rubbish trucks in Richmond.

Richmond Council and Veolia Environmental Services have launched the food waste themed competition for children of all ages at schools around the borough.

To enter pupils must create a poster that encourages people to recycle and think about food waste.

The winner will see their design printed on the borough’s rubbish trucks, get to visit Veolia’s recycling plant in Southwark with their class and win money for their school.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, said: “I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to run this competition and to help encourage and educate young people about good recycling practice in the borough.

“It is the perfect opportunity for students to learn more about how food waste can be recycled and to have their artwork displayed across the borough.”

Franco Murphy, Veolia environmental services’ Richmond contracts manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this educational yet fun competition.

“It is important that the whole household understands how Richmond recycles and how they can reduce their food waste.

“This competition will hopefully inspire some creative ways to help residents recycle and we are looking forward to seeing all the designs.”

Teachers and schools are being urged to get involved as every class that signs up will receive an educational pack and the chance of hosting a visit from a Veolia representative for a talk.

For more information visit richmond.gov.uk/recycling_art_competition or sign by emailing jayne.osborne@richmond.gov.uk or call 020 8487 5218. Registration closes on Sunday, February 9.