CHILDREN are being ask to take the lead on a project which aims to make Rhyl one of the first plastic-free areas in North Wales.

Youngsters across the town are being invited to help do their bit in the fight against waste.

Over the last 12 months, volunteers from the Plastic Free Rhyl organisation, which has the backing of Rhyl Town Council, have collected 360kg of plastic and rubbish from the town’s beach. 

Now creative youngsters are being invited to design a new logo for Plastic Free Rhyl as it steps up its efforts to conquer the problem.

The initiative is being spearheaded by cllr Keith Jones who has staged a number of voluntary beach cleans over the last 12 months.

He said: “The issue of seaside litter and plastic waste is not something peculiar to Rhyl, it is a global issue. But in Rhyl, we’re determined to keep our shorelines clean and tidy to protect wildlife and preserve the environment for future generations.

"That’s why we’re asking local school children to take the lead on a design for a new logo as, ultimately, this project is about protecting their environment for the future.

"By opening up the competition, we hope the local community will continue to engage with, and back, our efforts. Since the first beach clean in October 2017, we have seen a groundswell of support and hope this will continue.”

Business in the area have given their backing to the campaign which is being championed by the environmental charity, Surfers against Sewage.

Cllr Jones added: "We are asking local businesses to take initial small steps to move away from single-use plastic in particular. Changing plastic straws, for example, to paper, is just one way of making a difference.

"Some of the local schools are also on board but we’d like to engage with the wider Rhyl community which is why this competition is open to all local children."

The competition is open to children attending primary school in Rhyl with a prize for the winning design. The winner will receive a gift voucher.

Entries should be emailed to enquiries@rhyltowncouncil.org.uk or sent by post to Rhyl Town Council, Wellington Community Centre, Wellington Road, Rhyl. Schools are also being encouraged to collate entries and send them in. The closing date is Friday, October 26. For more on the Plastic Free Rhyl initiative see www.plasticfreerhyl.co.uk