GREEN-conscious schoolchildren are being given the chance to embark on a special environmental fact-finding tour, thanks to Groundwork Bury.

The youngsters can now see for themselves what happens to their rubbish once the bin men take it away.

Pupils from St Joseph's Primary School in Ramsbottom visited Pilsworth Landfill site last week to learn some important environmental lessons.

The visit was one of hundreds carried out around the country as part of the national RMC Greenlink Programme, sponsored by the Environmental Fund through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.

Bury-based ductwork specialists Senior Hargreaves sponsored the coach travel to Pilsworth. The company is anxious to get involved with the community.

The project aims to give children information on how certain decisions can have an impact on the environment by giving them a behind-the-scenes look at a landfill site.

The Ramsbottom class had previously taken part in a "waste and recycling" workshop run by Groundwork Bury to understand the principles behind recycling and the 3Rs ethos of reduce, reuse and recycle.

During their stint, the pupils carried out substantial re-using, making hand-made paper, gift bags, picture frames and junk monsters from waste. They also simulated a landfill site by burying different types of rubbish to see what happens to them over a four-week period.

During the visit to Pilsworth, the youngsters were shown how a landfill site operates and deals with all the rubbish produced. They were also able to question the unit manager Dan Oldroyd on how the company is minimising the impact on the environment.

Groundwork Bury project officer Sheridan Hilton said: "Recycling and waste issues are becoming more important as we run out of room to bury our waste. This scheme helps businesses play their part in the community and allows children to learn about their local environment and how their decisions will affect it now and in later life."