A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy’s picture of a recycling superhero is now adorning the side of a recycling collection vehicle, following a schools’ contest.

The competition to draw and colour a picture related to recycling and the environment was open to primary schools in Hambleton.

The winning design by Louis Flintoff - of an eye-catching green superhero - was selected from more than 300 entries as the winner.

Louis, a student at East Cowton Primary School, was presented with his prize, a mini iPad, this week and he got to see his drawing on the recycling vehicle when he visited Hambleton’s depot.

The competition was organised with Hambleton District Council and Yorwaste, which processes and sells recycling materials in the district.

“As a council, we recognise that society needs to recycle and reuse as many of the products in everyday use as possible, to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill,” said Councillor Brian Phillips, portfolio holder for waste management, who was also one of the judges.

“The competition was a good way to get children to think about this and Louis' picture was judged to have the most eye catching message for display on our recycling vehicles.”

Yorwaste managing director Steve Grieve said: “We really like Louis’ recycling superhero and his drawing will certainly turn heads when people see it on the vehicle.”

East Cowton Primary School was also presented with a box of recycling-related products, including pencils made out of recycled CD boxes and pencil cases made out of recycled tyres.