BUDDING artists have shown how to turn rubbish into show-stopping pieces of art.

Children at the Merryland Junior School in Cumberland Drive, Laindon demonstrated rubbish can be used in a creative way.

They used tin cans and wire to create a sculpture of a tree, which was home to various animals.

And their artistic efforts won them critical acclaim when they were awarded a certificate by Essex County Council's member for environment and waste, Tracey Chapman.

The children took part in the authority's Think before you Throw campaign, which encourages youngsters to create works of art using everyday waste.

Pupils at schools across the county were asked to submit drawings of their creative ideas.

The Merryland school was one of just two winners selected to work with a local artist to bring the pupils' ideas to life.

Artist Nicola Burrell, who ran the workshops, said of the pupils: "It was great to see the school children taking such an interest in this project.

"I was really pleased with the standard of entries received and the enthusiasm of all the participants.

"It is lovely to see local children thinking about ways to use everyday waste."

And Chapman added: "It is important for everyone to think about useful way to recycle and reuse everyday waste items, whether to make compost for the garden or creative project similar to those made by the school children of Essex."