COTSWOLD District Council has selected a new mascot to head-up a campaign to encourage recycling, reduction of waste and reuse of materials.

Buddy, a global bin image urging people to save the planet, was designed by 10-year-old Powell’s Primary School pupil Poppy.

Cllr Tony Berry, CDC ward member for Kemble, initiated the competition for local school children to design the new mascot.

Poppy’s handiwork was one of three entries shortlisted by a panel of judges, before the public was asked to vote for their favourite.

The two runners-up were Ticker the Litter Picker designed by Jemima from Rodmarton Primary School, and the Recycle Beast Machine designed by Yang from Fairford Primary School.

Mayor of Cirencester, Cllr Mark Harris was joined by Cllr Sue Coakley, CDC cabinet member for the environment, to present the Cirencester school with a cheque for £100 for use in pursuing ecological studies.

“Some people will still remember the way that the Wombles of Wimbledon encouraged a whole generation to respect the environment and avoid littering,” said Cllr Coakley.

“We believe we have found a similar mascot to use for environmental campaigns in the Cotswolds.

“Buddy can put a smile on faces while encouraging people to increase their recycling, reduction and reuse of waste.

“In the near future we will be launching a district-wide recycling campaign and Poppy’s mascot will feature prominently.”

Cllr Harris, CDC ward member for Abbey, said: “We are very grateful to all the students who entered this competition.

“The judges reviewed entries from Fairford, Kemble, Rodmarton, and Siddington Primary Schools, as well as Powell’s.

“Everyone who took part showed great enthusiasm for protecting our environment and all the competition entrants deserve a huge ‘well done’ for their efforts."

He added: “Buddy is an excellent choice, and the two other mascots chosen for the short list also deserve a special mention.”

Teresa Day, head teacher at Powell’s School, said: “We are very excited that Poppy has won this competition and we look forward to seeing Buddy in future environmental campaigns across the District.

“Young children are keen to learn about safeguarding our environment for future generations, and the competition has been a very good way to remind them about the local and global benefits of recycling, reduction and reuse of waste.”