Posted on: Tuesday 22 October 2024
Two brothers have been given a Civic Award after carrying out a sponsored litter pick in aid of their school.
Rudi and Layne Thompson, from Varteg, set themselves the challenge of collecting 20 large bags of rubbish over the summer holidays to raise money for a new rugby/football kit for Ysgol Bryn Onnen.
They aimed to raise £150 for the new kit but managed to raise £250.
Rudi and Layne were presented the award by Council Leader Anthony Hunt at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday.
Rudi, nine, who plays for Blaenavon RFC Under 10s and Pontypool District, said: "We collected rubbish in car parks and skate parks over six weeks. Our little sister Harley helped and sometimes our friends helped as well.
"We cleared all the rubbish from underneath the ramps at Pontypool skate park and took our litter pickers to rugby games."
Layne, seven, added: "I liked cleaning litter from the roads."
Rudi and Layne were provided with litter-picking equipment by their local councillor Chris Tew, who nominated them for the Civic Award.
Cllr Tew said: "What the boys have done is fabulous - they are an example to everyone."
Mum Emma said: "We set up a Just Giving page with the aim of raising £150 but they raised £250 thanks to donations from family and friends.
"This money, along with generous donations from local businesses Phil Anslow, Heritage Funeral Service and Ruck Um Maul, has allowed us to raise enough money for a new school rugby/football kit and to purchase some other equipment such as netball bibs and sports balls.
"We're now hoping we can do another event with the school next summer."
Ysgol Bryn Onnen headteacher Rhys ap Gwyn said: "Everyone at Ysgol Bryn Onnen is really proud of Layne and Rudi.
"Not only have they tidied up the local area and cleared lots of rubbish, they have also raised money to help buy kit for the school’s sports teams."
Anyone interested in carrying out a litter pick can borrow free equipment from one of our litter picking hubs.
Find your local litter picking hub
https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/RoadsTravelParking/StreetCareandCleaning/Refuse-litter-enforcement/Litter-picking-hubs.aspx#