When primary school pupils wanted support for their campaign to stop shoppers using plastic carrier bags they went straight to the top.

They wrote to the Queen - and were amazed when they got a reply.

Youngsters in Year 5W at The Downs Primary in Walmer sent letters to various individuals and companies asking them to consider their use of plastic carrier bags and to encourage people to stop using them as part of the Ban the Bag campaign.

Alana Carballido and Chloe Dunne, who wrote to the Queen, were amazed to receive a reply from her.

Teacher Mark Warner said the response from Buckingham Palace included a thank-you message from the Queen.

“The letter explained that Her Majesty has taken careful note of the children’s comments expressing their concern over the effects of discarded plastic bags on wildlife and the environment,” he said.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also replied in support as did a number of companies, Deal MP Gwyn Prosser and the Prime Minister.

Mr Warner added: “We are all incredibly proud of the pupils’ achievements with this project.”