A four-year-old pupil at a village school has taken top prize in a green competition that challenged youngsters to create Christmas decorations out of rubbish.

Isabella Moss, who goes to Breachwood Green School, produced the pick of the entries in North Herts District Council’s contest which saw 13 schools across the district coming up with imaginative festive decorations with an environmentally-friendly focus.

She was presented with £30 worth of Argos vouchers by the council’s waste awareness officer Charlotte Secker and her school won £50 of gardening vouchers, too.

Her winning decoration was chosen for its toilet roll Christmas tree design and the innovative way she used recyclable materials.

Two second prizes of £20 Argos vouchers were awarded to pupils at St Mary’s School, Baldock and Northfields School, Letchworth.

Joint third prizes of £10 Argos vouchers were awarded to pupils at Whitehill School and Purwell School, Hitchin. Icknield Infant and Nursery School were also awarded with £30 of vouchers for their school.

Councillor Peter Burt, the council’s portfolio holder for waste, recycling and the environment said: “We are delighted with the number of schools that took part in the competition this year and we have been thrilled with the standard of entries.

“The quality of the decorations was so high it made singling out just a few winners extremely difficult.

“I hope the children had fun making their decorations and learned that reusing and recycling materials can create decorations just as good as bought ones from a shop. Well done to everyone who took part.”

To view pictures of all the winning entries visit www.north-herts.gov.uk and search for ‘Christmas decoration competition.’