Chance for children to 'spread some sunshine' in East Northants

Children are being urged to get involved and help spread some colour and sunshine across East Northants.

‘Let’s Spread Some Sunshine' is a colourful competition launched by East Northamptonshire Council and its waste and recycling partner, FCC Environment.

After the recent show of support for key workers, it is hoped that the council and FCC Environment’s joint campaign will bring the community even further together.

Children are being encouraged to pick up their pens, pencils, crayons and paints to make more colourful pictures for their local bin crews – in return for sunflower seeds that they can grow to bring a splash of colour and join in with the competition.

Key workers across the UK are on the frontline continuing to deliver for the nation.

Along with countless professionals in the emergency services, health, social care and other sectors, the list of essential workers also includes waste management.

Cleaning up the streets and neighbourhoods of East Northamptonshire is one such crew from FCC Environment.

Over recent weeks, the team has been overwhelmed by the kindness it has received as it found handwritten notes and drawings left on their bins by residents and children.

The council is now looking to boost this special sense of community spirit even further with its ‘Let’s Spread Some Sunshine’ campaign.

FCC Environment is supporting the campaign, sharing a drawing for children to colour in and leave on their bin on the next collection day.

In turn, the bin crew will leave a packet of seeds for the children to grow as part of a community-wide competition to grow the tallest sunflower.

The winner with the tallest sunflower will be awarded with a prize by FCC Environment.

FCC Environment’s contract manager, Ian Mortimer said: “We are delighted to kick off this contest for children and residents of East Northamptonshire.

"For the last month or so, our team has received an overwhelming amount of warm messages and good wishes from the community.

"It is now our turn to share the support during this difficult time.

"We are grateful for this opportunity to engage with the community we work in further and we look forward to seeing the drawings and enjoying the sunflowers.”

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