A Glasgow primary school, which banned plastic straws and glitter, has been crowned nature champions of the decade.

The children  at Sunnyside Primary in the East End  impressed judges at the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards recently. 

Not afraid to taking on major challenges they have been working on a campaign to reduce litter in the city. Part of that involves sea characters impacted by pollution drawn on street drains.

Their efforts  on raising awareness of litter earned them praise from Glasgow Lord Provost Philip Braat on social media. 

He said: “Well done fellow Ocean Defenders of Sunnyside Primary. Another great project”

The Craigend pupils have worked over the years on campaigns to help Scotland’s wildlife and their habitats – even challenging government policy. 

They have been working with businesses and other schools towards ending the use of plastic straws and using more eco-friendly options.

In 2017, pupils launched their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign on social media after learning how plastic can kill seabirds, fish and turtles.

They also inspired Glasgow City Council to stop using plastic straws.

Sunnyside describes itself as  “conservation school” with the motto “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Praising the school for landing the award,  Minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “Those at Sunnyside Primary School have played an integral role in safeguarding Scotland’s species and natural habitats, they have helped raise awareness of the importance of the negative effects of climate change through their innovative campaigns.

RSPB organised the Nature of Scotland Awards,  which were co sponsored by NatureScot.