Market Drayton student sculpts shark from plastic bottles

Niamh Hurley, 19, started collecting plastic bottles around the Grove College about eight weeks ago for her extended project qualification (EPQ).

And from the hundreds she found she made the sculpture of a shark, which she hopes will push other students to use less plastic.

She said: "It's a passion project. I've been at this school my whole life seeing birds fight over litter and bottles just getting thrown about by students.

"When it came to starting an EPQ, I wanted to do something about it but just wasn't sure what.

"Previously, our college committee started something along these lines but never got to finishing it, and so that's where the idea came from.

"I collected bottles for eight weeks in one bin at college and got over 510."

Niamh decided to speak with the Grove headteacher Sonia Taylor, who supported the plan.

"After meeting with the very enthusiastic Mrs Taylor, we decided that the final sculpture would be a shark to demonstrate how much our use of plastics can affect areas and species that are miles away from us," she added.

"The whole exhibit is about giving the school and its pupils a kick to reduce their use of single use plastics, and I have already seen some action taken.

"Many people have asked me about re-usable bottles and straws, and Grove Catering is researching more sustainable packing methods too.

"It's had a really good reception and I look forward to hearing everyone's feedback. I just hope it makes a difference."