Sunninghill Preparatory School, based in the heart of Dorchester, is involved in the BID (Business Improvement District).

This project, supported by many local businesses, aims to help promote the county town while making it a cleaner and greener place to live.

The BID is to be funded by a one per cent levy on the rateable value of each business within the BID area and it is estimated that this will raise more than £90,000 per year, to enhance the local area.

As the only school that falls within the BID area, Sunninghill has been fortunate enough to be involved in a project to make Dorchester a plastic bag-free zone.

Children from Years 5 to 8 are responsible for designing the town's reusable bag and have been discussing the environmental concerns related to the continuing use of plastic bags.

They have been working with Sally Dyke, head of design and technology at the school, who is also a professional graphic designer.

As part of the research process, the children will be going out into the community and will be talking to the general public and local businesses about their view on the designs they have created.

They have been working within a tight time constraint and have had to consider the cost implications of using additional colours in their designs.

They will then present their findings to the BID board' in July, leading ultimately to a decision on the actual design that will be adopted.