PUPILS concerned about single use plastics took their message to the top.

Children at St Mary's Primary School in Bridport have been looking at ways they can make a difference to climate change.

The eco club were concerned that more could be done by the government to support schools to become plastic free so they wrote to West Dorset MP Chris Loder with their ideas. This letter was hand delivered on a trip to Parliament where the children were met by Mr Loder and discussed his views on single use plastics.

The children were then given a tour of both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Both houses were in session and the group had the privilege of being there at the third reading of the Bill when the House of Commons voted in favour of British Sign Language becoming an official language.

Pupil Eva said: "Chris Loder told us that he was passionate too about changing packaging and focusing more on food than packaging. He said he will take time to read and think about our letter, but also encouraged us to play our part in fighting against plastic packaging here in Bridport.”

Amelia added: “One of my favourite parts of the day was when we went into the House of Commons and saw everything in person rather than on TV. The MPs were debating about making British Sign Language an official language. It was amazing as we watched it pass and hearing the 'ayes'."

Highlighting some of the ways the school has been making a difference, headteacher Kate Batorska said: "We started two years ago with a sponsored litter pick, the proceeds of which enabled us to plant our very own orchard and edible hedgerow. Last autumn we learnt about the impact of our food choices and in particular the damage caused by single use plastics. Many children have made simple swaps to make their lunch box plastic free. Classes also wrote to local supermarkets and food providers to ask them to reduce their use of packaging. Our eco club introduced two recycling initiatives to the school; crisp packet and printer cartridge recycling. Members of the public can get involved and drop off these items during school hours."

Mr Loder said: "I was very pleased to welcome St Mary's School to Parliament. Last year, I proposed a change to the law in Parliament to set clear and decisive targets to cut down on single use plastics. The Government has also introduced the Environment Bill which has gone some way to addressing the plastic problem."

He added: "Much of the litter found around West Bay, not far from St Mary's School, is single use plastic waste and blights an otherwise beautiful area.

"We have become a grab and go, throw-away society; heavily influenced by supermarkets selling products packaged in single-use plastics. This has to stop.

"Thank you to St Mary's School for all their hard work, and I very much support their campaign to help other schools cut down on their plastic use too."