South Hams primary school children are being invited to design artwork that could be displayed on the district's new waste and recycling vehicles.

South Hams District Council has launched an art competition asking children to create designs showing either why recycling is important or how different materials can be recycled.

Artwork could highlight the benefits of recycling for beaches, the countryside or the wider environment, or show how materials such as cardboard, plastic, glass and food waste should be recycled.

The winning designs will be displayed on the doors of one of the council's new waste and recycling vehicles for 12 months.

The winning artists will also have their names displayed alongside their artwork on the vehicle.

Cllr Julian Brazil, South Hams Lead Member for Waste and Recycling, said: “Recycling is one of the simplest things we can all do at home to help protect our environment, and we think that our school children can help inspire us to all recycle even more.

“I can’t wait to see the imagination and enthusiasm that South Hams primary school children bring to this subject.”

The competition is open to children in Years 1 to 6, with entries divided into categories according to school year group.

Children must submit their artwork in landscape format on A4 paper.

Judges will be looking for creativity, a clear message and eye-catching designs that could encourage others to recycle.

Entrants have been asked to use paint or bright felt-tip pens rather than pencils for their designs.

Each entry must include the child's name, age, primary school and school year group, along with a parent or guardian's name and contact details.

Entries can be posted to South Hams District Council Recycling Competition, South Hams District Council, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NE.

Artwork can also be handed in at the reception at Follaton House in Totnes.

Alternatively, a digital version can be emailed to [email protected]

Entries are open till Friday November 13