BUDDING footballers from a school in Uley took part in an ingenious world first recycling scheme, turning their own water bottles into medals.

Pupils from Uley C of E Primary School participated in the scheme at the regional finals of the ESFA Danone Nations Cup at Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham.

The recycling process consisted of recycling water bottles, crushing them and heating the small pieces of plastic to create a viscous, formable mass.

A tailor-made mould was then used to form the medals that were given to the children for taking part.

Marie Wendling, PR and events manager at Danone, said: “Not only did we celebrate the best footballing talent from the South West, but Uley C of E Primary School also took part in a world first for recycling.

“We hope this will inspire the children, teach them about the importance of recycling, and help bring about a change in behaviour when they next throw away their plastic bottles.”

By taking part in this initiative, Uley C of E Primary School has beaten the Tokyo Olympics to the punch, as the games’ committee announced that their 2020 medals will be made from old mobile phones.

More than 2,500 children worldwide take part in the Danone Nations Cup each year, the world’s biggest football tournament for 10-12 year olds.

This year more than 3,000 schools are competing in the English leg run by the English Schools’ Football Association.