A SCHOOL from East Cowes has been crowned Recycle with Michael's winning school.

Priory School won the Salvation Army's county-wide competition to encourage recycling in schools.

The competition is part of the Recycle with Michael project, to divert thousands of tonnes of textiles away from landfill.

Recycle with Michael aims to educate young people about the importance of recycling in a fun and engaging way.

More than 1,600 pupils from seven Isle of Wight schools took part, collectively donating close to a tonne of unwanted clothes and shoes — almost the equivalent weight of two grand pianos.

Priory School welcomed a special visitor to present the trophy and certificate — the scheme's very own mascot, Michael.

Kirk Bradley, head of corporate partnerships at Salvation Army, said: “We’re delighted to name the pupils from the Isle of Wight’s Priory School of Our Lady of Walsingham our Recycle with Michael champions.

"Our van was full to the brim on collection day thanks to all the donations.

"We hope this is the start of a determined drive to give unwanted items a new lease of life."

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