A new interactive board game designed to inspire children to become recycling champions has been launched across the county.
Rescue Me has been developed under the Waste Resources Action Plan (WRAP) and is being used by North Yorkshire Council’s waste prevention and recycling officers as part of a workshop for children aged seven to 11 to make recycling fun.
The game introduces players to a lively cast of characters, each representing common recyclable materials.
Yogi the yogurt pot, Fitz the perfume bottle, Rey the trigger spray, Hube the toilet roll tube, and Dee Dee the deodorant take the children on an educational journey where success is determined by recycling achievements.
North Yorkshire Council’s waste prevention officers, Michelle Bailes and Ariane Heap, who have started delivering the workshops, said early feedback from the schools has been “overwhelmingly positive”.
Miss Bailes said:
“The children absolutely love it. They become so engaged and it’s wonderful to see how much they are learning about recycling without even realising, they are having so much fun.
“Every move and interaction encourage the children to save our planet. By linking the game to practical actions, they not only learn about the materials that can be recycled but also develop a sense of responsibility for making those choices every day.”
Inspired by the classic game of Snakes and Ladders, Rescue Me players can climb towards recycling heaven with smart choices or fall into the rubbish bin if they miss recycling opportunities.
It also comes with added extras like interactive word searches, stickers and a rescue log for tracking recyclable items saved along the way.
Assistant headteacher of Cayton Primary School, near Scarborough, Mark Vasey, whose school was the first to host the workshop, said:
“Rescue Me has been a fantastic addition to our lessons.
"It really has captured the children’s imaginations. It’s fun, educational, and gets the message across that small actions can make a big difference.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing the environment, Cllr Greg White, said hearing from schools about the impact the game is having is “incredibly encouraging”.
Cllr White added:
“Initiatives like Rescue Me are critical in shaping the habits and mindsets of the next generation.
"By fostering a culture of sustainability now, we’re laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener future.”
The workshops, which are being delivered with the help of the North Yorkshire Rotters volunteer team, are also suitable for after-school clubs, Scout and Guide groups and other community groups and events.
The workshops are free to book, ensuring accessibility for all, and can be arranged by contacting waste.campaigns@northyorks.gov.uk
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend
Police appeal after driver forgets where car was parked in Skipton
Shoplifter caught trying to dump stolen goods in Skipton bin
Councillor breaks national fundraising record with charity head shave
Festival director facing court after cancelled Skipton event
Yorkshire marketing business raises £1,000 for Skipton children's charity
Team to push car 130 miles in extraordinary charity challenge inspired by young boy's courage
Only one more day left to enjoy Skipton Cinema Days this summer
Hundreds gather in Skipton for another successful Yorkshire Day event
Safety reminder after rubbish found in Skipton knife bin
Skipton bakery retains North Yorkshire's best bakery title for second year
MP raises Cowling speeding concerns with police and council after residents' complaints
Right at Home celebrates official opening of new office
Wanted man found hiding in wardrobe during Skipton arrest
Addingham Beer Festival returns this October
Nominations open for Local Pub Awards 2026 for Skipton and Ripon
Campaigners hand in petition over doubling of second homes council tax
Skipton Live Reveals 42-Act Line-up for First Ever Music Festival
