TRIBUTES have been paid to young environment champions working tirelessly to keep Southampton green and clean.

City university students – named Enviro Champs – have worked closely with Southampton City Council to inspire the city to become greener.

In the past year the Enviro Champs have also been doing all they can to work with residents in various roads in the city, to get them recycling more and to keep their roads in a tip top clean condition.

The students were split into groups and each group was given two or three roads to work with.

In the chosen roads the youngsters have been clearing litter and graffiti and giving residents information on recycling/ Their work has resulted in a much cleaner street scene and a reduction of contaminated recycling bins.

Councillor Matthew Dean, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “These young Enviro Champs have really made a difference in many roads in the city. Let’s face it, like any local authority we can only make a big difference in the city with recycling and waste if we get our residents on board with what we are trying to achieve.”

The young champs were recently presented with awards from the former Mayor of Southampton, Liz Mizon, pictured left.

The project, which is going into its third year, was funded by Project Integra and involves Southampton City Council, The Environment Centre, Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton. It has also been a partnership of services from across Southampton City Council, with Waste and Fleet Transport, Cleansing and Corporate Health and Safety involved.