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TV legend praises film by schools focusing on plastic pollution


By Kyle Ritchie

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TV broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has praised the work of two Banffshire schools for their work helping to fight plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

Attenborough, who higlighted the issue in his Blue Planet II programme, has wrote to the pupils of Banff and Macduff primary schools after they produced an animation on the subject.

The film used the Scottish family The Broons and an original story involving them in Banff to raise awareness on the issue.

In a letter to pupils Attenborough said that the work they were doing was "valuable" and a "very entertaining" way of getting the point across.

The pupils were assisted by teacher Dorothy Reid.

She said: "A lot of work went into animating, creating dialogue and doing the voice overs for the film.

"We focused on the process of plastic production starting from how oil was formed millions of years ago, drilling, transport on tankers, refinery and how polymerisation creates products such as tar, heating oil, diesel, jet fuel, car fuel, gas and plastic pellets.

"The film also looks at plastic recycling, landfill, exporting to other countries, how other countries cope or don’t cope with the discarded plastic and the related health problems and environmental factors.

"We then looked at the alternatives to plastic, which includes metal, glass, silicon and sugar cane and reusing the plastic we already have."

As well as the serious message, the film also has a fun element featuring The Broons characters knitted by Mrs Reid.

It also has appearances from Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns and Attenborough

Mrs Reid added: "All the children from Banff and Macduff have been totally engaged with the project and have enjoyed the experience.

"Some parents have said that their child now watches everything that’s put into the bin.

"We wanted the children to realise how they can reach out and make an impact not only on the local community, but further afield."

As part of the project the youngsters also made and priced plastic alternatives, which included wax wraps, soap bags, reusable face wipes, seed bombs made with recycled paper and filled plastic free tea bags with tea leaves, which have sold out.

The work of the children has also been recognised by the Grampian Regional Equality Council's Anne Frank Awards.

The youngsters introduced the animation at the event and were presented with a framed certificate for each school.

The awards celebrate and recognise the work done by young people to promote equality and human rights.

Anyone who would like to view the animation can do so by visiting https://youtu.be/I-LqcJC9458


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