Saving the planet, one small step at a time, is a group of primary pupils whose unbounded enthusiasm is the pride of their school.

The Eco Club at Hempstead Juniors is for youngsters to get involved in helping the school and local area become more environmentally friendly, and keep wildlife safe.

As well as giving up free time after school to help their school look pristine the children also spent part of their half term cleaning up Upnor beach, where they collected a huge amount of litter.

They have also collected books and sent them out to Africa and sent off old printer ink cartridges to be recycled.

Kerry Briffit, 36, a teaching assistant and Eco coordinator, said: “The children absolutely love it.

“I have been amazed by their enthusiasm. These children just need somebody to give them the tools and opportunity to help, because they all want to.

"Parents have said to me their children are now telling them to turn lights off and pick up litter. It’s so good to see them take home what they learn, after all they are the next generation." - Kerry Briffit

“We have lots of ideas and lots of new children wanting to get involved.”“Parents have said to me their children are now telling them to turn lights off and pick up litter. It’s so good to see them take home what they learn, after all they are the next generation.

The club will soon start to sponsor local charity Medway Hedgehog Rescue, so will be arranging to do lots of collections and events around the school.

The children are asked each year if they want to be in the club and must either write a letter or draw a picture showing their reasons.

The school takes one representative from each class, and three per year group, to sit on the committee. But every child interested is welcome to take part in the activities.

As well as recycling plastic and paper the school is looking into start organic recycling for all the food waste from the kitchen and have solar panels fitted from Eco Schools.

Teachers and teaching assistants get involved in activities and Miss Briffit said there was huge support, especially from head teacher Sharon Smith.

The group has been nominated for a Pride in Medway, which celebrates local heroes who keep the Towns going through their actions or community spirit.

If you would like to nominate someone, fill in the form in Friday's Medway Messenger.