Peterborough competition to turn aluminium cans into art

Schools and community groups are being encouraged to collect old aluminium cans and turn them into pieces of art.

Peterborough City Council has come up with the idea of the Every Can Counts competition to encourage recycling of the cans and raise awareness of its importance to the environment.

The authority said the UK used about 10 billion cans a year, which is equivalent to 600 per household, but the recycling process used just 5% of the energy needed to create new aluminium.

The competition closes in May and entrants have been asked to create something that is 3D, free-standing, easily transportable and centred on the theme of Our Earth, Our Planet.

Cans can be glued together, painted and decorated, the authority added.

The three winners of the categories for primary and secondary schools and community groups will each receive gardening vouchers to spend on their school grounds or site.

Their artwork will also go on display at the Peterborough Celebrates Festival at Ferry Meadows in June.

Chris Wiggin, the council's Liberal Democrat cabinet member for the environment, said: "I would urge school pupils and members of community groups to take part in Every Can Counts and help us spread the word about the importance of recycling.

"As a council we are fully committed to increasing recycling rates across Peterborough and encouraging everyone to play their part in this. I'm looking forward to seeing the entries and would like to wish everyone the very best of luck."

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , Instagram and X .

Litter group installs upside-down basketball hoops

Women turn crime and litter hotspot into 'Narnia'

Community litter-pick collects half a tonne of cans