A GROUP of schoolchildren from Bournemouth are urging people not to dump plastic waste on the beach. 

Year one pupils at Kingsleigh Primary school were treated to a trip at the Oceanarium in Bournemouth on June 23.

This comes after their generous contribution towards the battle to reduce plastic waste in oceans.

The class created a special handmade banner which stated, “littering is mean so keep the beach clean”, along with a crafty and colourful design of different printing techniques.

Their teacher, Mr Joe Bennet said: “We’re very excited to be down here, the children have worked very hard on their banner to promote people taking their litter home. Hopefully the Oceanarium will support us as well..”

Pupil Logan, 6, said: “You’re not allowed to litter, littering is bad you can’t be bad.”

Theo, 6 added: “Never put rubbish in the ocean because it might hurt other sea creatures.”

Remi, 6, said: “Don’t throw litter in the sea it might kill the sea animals.”

The banner is proposed to be hung in one of the Oceanarium’s window, showcasing the classes talent for all of Bournemouth beach to see.

A spokesperson for the Oceanarium said: “We are so thrilled with the poster Kingsleigh Primary School have made for us and the important message that comes with it.

“The Oceanarium is in one of Bournemouth’s primary hotspots and while we love seeing holidaymakers and visitors enjoying themselves, it is very sad to see the litter that is sometimes left on the beach.

“The Oceanarium prides itself on conservation and positively impacting the planet and we will always support local businesses who are on the same mission as us.”

Blue flags are also put in place to demonstrate beaches that meet certain standards for safety, cleanliness, and environmental awareness, determined by the Foundation for Environmental Education. These blue flags were part of an initiative by Keep Britain Tidy.

Beaches that meet these criteria are allowed to place a blue flag on their beach.

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole are home to 12 of Dorset's award-winning blue flag beaches.