Naomi is a winner

Latest news from Carmarthenshire Council's press office - Carmarthen schoolgirl’s a winner with Eco Eli and Dylan the Dragon A Carmarthen schoolgirl received a huge surprise when Eco Eli and Dylan the Dragon turned up at her school with some very special prizes for her. Naomi Dark from Johnstown Primary School won a hamper of fruit and compost bin for her family as well as a bag full of goodies after the all-singing and all-dancing ‘On the Road with Dylan and Eco Eli’ show visited the school. Eco Eli, the council’s eco-friendly elephant, and Dylan the Dragon, the council’s healthy schools meals mascot, hit the road earlier this year in an exciting new show with childrens’ entertainers the Gregory Brothers. A joint initiative by Carmarthenshire County Council’s street scene and catering services departments, it was performed to 39 primary schools across the county. Eco Eli took to the stage to raise awareness of environmental issues such as recycling, saving energy and litter while Dylan spread the word on the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise. A competition was held with the schools as part of the show and Year 3 pupil Naomi was the winner. Executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “I hope Naomi and her family will enjoy the fruit and make good use of the compost bin. “The show helped to raise awareness of healthy living and environmental issues in a fun and interactive way and was well received by pupils across the county.” The show has been praised by schools in the county and by the Welsh Local Government Association. Kerry Robinson, the WLGA’s food in schools co-ordinator, who attended the launch at Bryn Community School, said: “I just wanted to say that I thought the healthy eating show was fabulous. All the children obviously enjoyed the afternoon and the messages were very clear.” A Welsh version of the show will be visiting Welsh language primary schools in Carmarthenshire later this year. Executive board member for education Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “It is important we eat a balanced diet and take regular exercise for a long and healthy life and we all have a part to play in creating a safer and cleaner environment. The show helped to get these messages across in a light-hearted way.”

CAPTION: Johnstown Primary School pupil Naomi Dark receives her prizes from Councillor Haydn Jones, executive board member for the environment; Carol Jones, training and development officer; and Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge, executive board member for education, also pictured are Eco Eli and Dylan the Dragon. Picture: Jeff Connell.