Banging on about compost bins

9.52.48am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

• PUPILS from The Russell Primary School will be drumming the composting message into the borough this week after winning a competition run by Richmond Council.

First prize is a special workshop with drum teacher, Romain Dravet, in which pupils will learn samba rhythms, and other drum techniques, using empty compost bins and recycled percussion instruments. The workshop takes place on Wednesday, 7 May, at 10.30a.m. Several of the borough's primary schools entered the competition which required them to complete a survey about their composting practices, with the winner being drawn at random. It was run to support Compost Awareness Week, May 5-11, a nationwide initiative designed to promote the benefits of composting.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "I am delighted with the children's efforts. They have shown real enthusiasm for the composting in their schools. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and also a fun way for the children to learn about the environment and all the insects and other creatures that live in the bins. We really want to get behind Compost Awareness Week. At least 30 per cent of your household waste can be composted, whether it is grass cuttings, teabags or vegetable peelings. I urge people to get involved."