Alistair Dow opens "Splat the Rat"

4.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 10th Jun 2007

Councillor Alistair Dow opened the "Splat the Rat" event.

Selly Oak councillor Alistair Dow officially opened the "Splat the Rat" Community Event at Tiverton Primary School in Bournbrook on Saturday 9 June 2007.

The community event, organised by staff from Birmingham City Council and Birmingham University, was designed to raise awareness of environmental issues in the area and included activities such as "Splat the Rat" - in which a chocolate bar was sent hurtling down a tube as participants tried to "splat" it before it hid the ground! The results of the Bournbrook 'tidiest front garden' competition, which pupils from Tiverton Primary School helped to judge, were also announced.

Other events include a 'Rat Race' to find the fastest litter picker and a 'Rat Walk' giving young people the chance to model headgear and clothing they have made from recycling objects. Council officers were also on hand to give help and advice on recycling in Birmingham.

Councillor Alistair Dow said: "This was a successful fun day designed to bring the community together. It was also an opportunity to promote recycling and reinforce anti-rubbish messages."