Children at Alpington & Bergh Apton Church of England Primary School have teamed up with The Salvation Army's schools recycling programme, Recycle With Michael. The Norfolk school started recycling at the start of the year and have donated an impressive 1.5 tonnes of textiles so far; the largest collected total weight of all the schools who take part in the charity's reuse and recycling bag collection scheme.

Donations included clothes, shoes and toys. These items will play a vital role in raising money for The Salvation Army to help vulnerable people in communities across the UK.

The school says that the children have thrown themselves into the project, not only donating their own items but also inviting parents, neighbours, friends and relatives to do the same.

Elaine Horn, a member of the school's Friends group said: "We look forward to continuing with Recycle With Michael. The scheme is so well organised – the administration and collection service is super friendly and efficient, and it benefits the children of our school, the environment and those in need in the wider community. What's not to like!"

The scheme encourages children to reuse and recycle by delivering branded collection bags to schools upon request, and collecting any textile and shoes donations on an agreed date.

Vicki Dunlop, who coordinates The Salvation Army's Recycle With Michael scheme commented: "We would like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone at Alpington & Bergh Apton School for their kind donations. It is fantastic to see the pupils working with such enthusiasm to keep textiles out of landfill and at the same time raising money for their school and the work of The Salvation Army."