'GUMDROP' bins are being used to collect and recycle people's chewing gum in Wyre Forest, following a successful roll-out at a local school.

Wyre Forest has teamed up with Gumdrop, which creates bins specifically for chewing gum, after five eager Bewdley School students pitched the idea to the district council.

The council was so impressed with the school scheme that it launched its own campaign in November. Gumdrop bins have since been installed across Wyre Forest, including near Bewdley Museum and Severn Side North, outside Kidderminster College and the town hall, and in Stourport high street.

A spokesman for The Bewdley School said: "Since the bins were deployed at the school it’s really had a positive change on people’s behaviour."

At the launch in Bewdley, students drew rings around all the dropped gum on the high street and watched as people realised just how much chewing gum they were walking in.

Councillor Rebecca Vale, cabinet member for operational services at Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We are always looking at new ways to help keep our district safe, clean and looking good.

"We felt this was a great opportunity to work with the local community after students from Bewdley High School pitched the idea of introducing Gumdrop balls.

“The Gumdrop ball gives people who are looking to dispose of their gum an environmentally friendly way to bin it.

"All the gum collected is recycled to make wellington boots, mobile phone covers and much more."