CHILDREN from West Devon are turning old Yellow Pages directories into works of art as part of this year?s Yellow Woods Challenge - the simple, educational and fun environmental initiative run by Yellow Pages, the Directory Recycling Scheme and the Woodland Trust working with the Borough Council.
The Challenge has enthused schools from across the borough. Schools have been collecting old directories and competing locally to win a share of a £50,000 prize fund from Yellow Pages.
Schoolchildren have not only been collecting old directories, they?ve been turning them into fantastic sculptures.
Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School near Tavistock have produced a giant castle while the Old School in Whitchurch has constructed a full size sofa, chairs and matching coffee table.
Cllr Paul Ridgers, Chairman of West Devon Borough Council?s environment and health committee, said: ?The Yellow Pages sculpture competition is very exciting and helps to get the message across that recycling can be fun.?
Jane Savage, Recycling Officer at West Devon Borough Council, is thrilled with the response. She said: ?We always get amazing support from children but this year local schools have surpassed all expectations. Some schools have amassed more than 20 directories per pupil!?
The old Yellow Pages directories have now been collected from the schools by West Devon Borough Council and will be shredded and used for animal bedding by Cornwall Paper Company.
Three schools in West Devon collecting the most old directories per pupil will each receive a share of £600 in cash. The winners of the local prizes will be announced in April. All participating schools will be entered into the Yellow Woods Challenge UK Finals in October 2004 where schools compete to win cash prizes of up to £2,000.
For every pound awarded to schools by Yellow Pages, a matching pound is given to the Woodland Trust to help keep the UK?s native woodland alive.