Local kids talk a load of rubbish!

Now in its fifteenth year, Environmental Youth Speak is an annual public speaking competition open to pupils throughout Northern Ireland.

In line with the National Curriculum, Coleraine Borough Council is committed to encouraging the development of young citizens and building awareness of sustainability.

Taking part in the junior section of this year’s competition were Zoe Heelam-McDonnell and Emmet Richardson from Mill Strand Integrated Primary School, Chloe Quigg from St Columba’s Primary School (Kilrea) and Shreya Ghaie from DH Christie Memorial Primary School.

The children delivered excellent speeches on this year’s topic, “My waste’s got talent: what can it become?”

The senior participants were Emmett Brolly of Loreto College and from Coleraine High School, Grace Richmond and Natasha Brownlee. The seniors put across their well researched and delivered speeches on “The true cost of waste”.

Winning the Coleraine Borough Council heat and going on to represent the Borough at the Finals next month are Shreya Ghaie and Grace Richmond.

Fiona Watters, Waste and Recycling Officer, who organised the local heat, said, “The standard of speeches in this year’s competition was excellent.

“It was obvious all the entrants had put in a lot of hard work researching their topics and preparing their delivery.” Julie Hannaway, Recycling Officer from Derry City Council and competition judge, had a difficult but enjoyable job choosing the winners:

“Congratulations to every one who took part and I wish them well representing Coleraine Borough in the final.”

For further information on environmental issues and recycling, please contact Environmental Services Department on 028 7034 7272 or visit www.colerainebc.gov.uk/recycle