THREE Northwich youngsters helped to launch Vale Royal Borough Council's kerbside recycling scheme yesterday, Tuesday.

Benjamin McLoughlin, nine, from Tarporley CE School, had the honour of naming the region's first new recycling vehicle.

He was chosen to take part in the launch of the scheme by Vale Royal Mayor Clr Val Godfrey after she read his entry in the recent Mini Mayor competition.

Benjamin chose to call the vehicle The Green Machine.

Clr Godfrey said: "The most important theme in the hundreds of Mini Mayor entries I read was the children's concern for protecting the environment.

"As the Mini Mayor day coincided with the launch of our kerbside recycling scheme, I wanted to give the writer of the most outstanding recycling-themed entry the honour of taking part in the launch."

Malcolm Gaskill, lead councillor for waste services, said Benjamin's ideas for promoting recycling to adults and children were fascinating to read.

He said: "It is reassuring to hear that the young people of today are so enthusiastic about the environment."

Mini Mayor William Deeley, eight, and Deputy Mini Mayor Rachael Ashbrook, seven, joined Benjamin for the launch and naming ceremony. William officially cut the ribbon and declared the scheme open.

William, from Whitley Village School, Lower Whitley, came out on top after the mayor read through hundreds of entries.

Vale Royal pupils were asked to describe what they would do if they were mayor for a day, either by writing an essay or drawing a picture. William was the only competition entrant to write a poem.

Clr Godfrey said: "What made me choose William for the overall winner was his depth of understanding of the role of mayor and his mix of humour and practicality."

The young VIPs had an action-packed day, which included a mayor making ceremony, a mayoral reception and a buffet lunch.