CHILDREN from primary schools in Worcester have been learning about animal welfare thanks to a new initiative.

Pupils from Hollymount School took part in an educational workshop followed by a litter pick at the end of last month. 

The event – which also ran sessions at The Green Centre in Dines Green and Ronkswood Community Centre – was a joint initiative run by The RSPCA and housing association Fortis Living.

Charlie Chan, community engagement manager from The RSPCA’s Birmingham Education Centre said: “Litter has a huge impact upon wildlife so the sessions were a great way to educate young people about the often unseen effect it has. 

"Our aim is – by raising awareness of the issue – to ensure the next generation disposes of their litter responsibly. 

"The sessions proved that helping out in local communities with litter problems can also be fun.”

Paul Edwards, community officer at Fortis Living said: “Our work within the local community has, over the years, included organising litter picks and working with others to encourage wildlife. 

"This project was therefore the perfect fit for us and taught those who took part the importance of looking after their local environments.”

Emma Pritchard, headteacher at Hollymount School, said: "One of our school’s values is Respect for the World.

"The work the children have done, lead by the RSPCA, on the effect of litter has supported their growing understanding of how to care for the environment.”

This was the first time that the two organisations have worked together, with the aim to roll out future sessions in 2018. 

The RSPCA typically receives up to 5000 calls a year regarding litter.