THE war on waste has reached the school dinner hall with nearly 6,000 pupils across the county signing up to a Wipe Out Waste campaign.

So far four primary schools in the Cotswolds are taking part in Gloucestershire County Council's waste reduction challenge.

Pupils at Stratton, Leighterton, Powell's and Meysey Hampton primary schools have all signed up to cut out the amount of food waste produced at lunch time.

Leighterton Primary School near Tetbury encouraged its children to have a waste-free lunch as part of a wider environment week. Angela Fynn, science co-ordinator said: "The Year 6's devised their own scheme and issued points to pupils who managed to have less waste at lunch time. The children all participated really well and wore green. We asked them to think about the packaging they were using and to make sure the lunch boxes were re-usable."

A total of 30 schools across the county have signed up to take the challenge. They will each receive a visit from county council's waste management education team, who will provide fun, interactive activities for the children.

Children taking part in Wipe out Waste are encouraged to think carefully about what they put into their packed lunches with the aim of throwing away as little rubbish as possible.

Those who have school meals will be asked to think about portion size to help them clear their plates and cut down on leftover waste.

Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: "The Wipe out Waste project is a fun and interesting way to engage with children and encourage them to learn more about reducing their waste.

"We've found that getting children to understand the waste pressures and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle is a great catalyst to encouraging their parents to do their bit too and that is ultimately our aim. I am delighted that so many children have signed up to take part, it shows how seriously our young people are taking the waste challenge."

* If you want your school to take part go www.rfgschools.com/news/WOW/index.html. The council's waste reduction challenge takes place from November 20-28. People across the county are being urged to make at least one pledge to cut their waste.