Schoolchildren across Three Rivers have been busy recycling old Yellow Pages directories again this year, winning hundreds of pounds for their schools and raising enough money to plant and care for 70 native trees across England, one of the least wooded countries in Europe.

22 local schools took on the Yellow Woods Challenge this autumn - the simple, educational and fun environmental campaign for schools run by Yellow Pages directories, the Woodland Trust and Three Rivers District Council.

Schools enjoyed competing against each other, recycling a total of 3031 old Yellow Pages directories. St Paul's C of E Primary School in Langleybury beat off all competition to take the 'Gold Oak' title for the second year running and win £300 for recycling an average of 1.88 directories per pupil. Maple Cross JMI School was named the 'Silver Birch' winner and received £200, while Royal Masonic School for Girls (Prep Department) was rewarded with £100 and the 'Bronze Beech' title. St Meryl JMI won £100 for outstanding achievement in their first year.

Councillor Phil Brading, Portfolio Holder for Public Services and Health at Three Rivers District Council, said:
"This year our local schools have taken the competition to a new level, recycling almost double the number of yellow pages directories they recycled last year. This just goes to show how important green issues are for our children, and how much they care about their environment. I congratulate all of our schools for their achievements.''

For every pound Yellow Pages gives to schools, it donates a matching pound to the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust will use the money to support its Tree for All campaign - the most ambitious children's tree-planting project ever launched in the UK.

For more information about the local and national Yellow Woods Challenge competition, residents can visit www.yellow-woods.co.uk.