THE art of persuasive language is being studied and practised by children in year 5 at a Blackburn school, who have written to us on topics of concern.

Pupils at Roman Road primary school have been using our Pick and Mix literacy and numeracy resource, along with copies of our newspaper, to find examples of sports reports, letters, advertisements and editorial comment showing how words are used to express a point of view, then put pen to paper to give their own opinions.

In addition letters were sent to their MP, Jack Straw, and Blakburn with Darwen Council.

Subjects worrying the youngsters include vandalism, litter and under-age smoking. Extracts from the letters give a flavour of their views.

"We are very concerned about all the rubbish in our area because it makes the estate look scruffy ... we need more litter bins", Andrew Slater.

"We are disgusted with all the litter that people have dropped. The wind blows it into our school grounds and our caretaker has to clean it up", Clare Fallon.

"There is too much rubbish on our estate. It is harming animals and children. Please send someone to help us clean up our environment", Scott Crichley.

"There is too much broken glass in the streets where we live. It is a danger to children and adults. We urge you to stop smashing bottles on the ground", Jenna Kenyon. "Something needs to be done about the amount of vandalism around Roman Road The graffiti on shutters is terrible. Fences have been torn down or damaged and left with nails sticking out. How would you like to live with this?", Francis Grundy.

"Many of us are concerned about under-age smoking. We know that smoking will harm your health and can cause all kinds of cancers, particularly lung cancer. The habit is especially harmful to children and adults should stop them from doing it", Simon Sinclair.

But pupils at the Blackburn school don't just write about local problems, they have been very active in helping Groundwork Trust to clean up the locality.

As Rachael Longford's letter says, "We went litter picking around our school and came back with twenty five bags of rubbish. But we need to do something more, we need more litter bins on the estate and people must use them."

Well done to the youngsters; their voices ring out loud and clear. Let's hope that others take note.