PUPILS have teamed up with a recycling company in a unique approach to fundraising which will keep the air ambulance flying.

Ramsey Academy pupils are continuing to support Essex and Herts Air Ambulance in an eco-friendly way – by recycling old computer printer cartridges.

Many of the students developed links with the charity while taking part in the First Give Project in Year Seven and have decided to continue to support it.

Students have teamed up with Suffolk company Recycle Ink to collect the school’s empty ink jet cartridges.

In return, Recycle Ink will donate up to £1.50 per cartridge to the air ambulance to not only raise cash for the charity but also help the environment.

It is estimated that seven out of every ten people throw their empty cartridges in the bin, which equates to about 375 million ending up in landfill every year.

Pupils have also been selling pin badges and have now arranged for a printer ink recycling bin to be placed in reception.

The air ambulance team are set to be visiting the school in June to carry out first aid training for pupils in Year 10 which pupils and staff hope will strengthen the relationship between the charity and the school.

Year Eight pupil Ella Moon was keen to fundraise after experiencing the work the charity does first-hand.

She said: “Essex Air Ambulance is important to me as they were able to save myself, sister and dad from a nasty car accident.

“Without the efficient help of the air ambulance my sister Maisie would not be here today.

“To thank them for their help I have decided to support their fundraising in whatever way I can.”

If you use a Canon or HP printer at home, check the Recycle Ink website to see if you could help.

Cartridges can be dropped at the school or sent directly to Boxford-based Recycle Ink in the air ambulance’s name.