A PROCESSION of more than 300 lanterns made its ways to the former landfill site at Bidston Moss Nature Reserve to raise awareness of the waste that lies beneath.

Six of Wirral’s Eco Schools and their families joined together to light up the hillside with lanterns made from recycled materials in an event hosted by Veolia Environmental Services.

They were produced during workshops with the Liverpool Lantern Company using plastic bottles, waste paper and textiles.

The event took place during the European Week for Waste Reduction to highlight the black bag waste that gets sent to landfill each year and to raise awareness of the importance of recycling.

Local schoolchildren have been at the forefront of the campaign taking part in workshops and visits to the Recycling Discovery Centre at Veolia’s Bidston site to learn more about the journey of their household waste and what materials they can recycle.

Alex Paterson, director of Veolia Environmental Services Merseyside and Halton, said: "We are pleased we could support this project, which successfully turned waste into an exciting and thought provoking topic for the whole community."

Lynn Struve, Eco Schools Officer for Wirral Council, who coordinated the event, said:

"The lantern procession is part of a wider education programme where pupils are leading campaigns in their schools to reduce the amount of waste they produce and increase their recycling to an equal ratio of 50:50."

Councillor Brian Kenny, Wirral cabinet member for the Environment, said: "I am delighted to be present and to see so many young people getting involved in such a fun and positive way, on such a vital issue.

"These young people are an example to us all, and I would like to congratulate them on their magnificent efforts."

The event was funded by Veolia Environmental Services, Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, Wirral council, Lairdside Together, Wirral Partnership Homes and the National Lottery.