AN ECO-CONSCIOUS schoolboy from Ruthin has won a national science competition for his heart-warming upcycling project.

Seven-year-old Keast McKelvey has been transforming old food tins into crafted pen pot party favours for his schoolfriends at Ysgol Pentrecelyn.

Scientists from one of the leading suppliers of premium polymers, Covestro, in partnership with National Geographic Kids UK, handpicked Keast’s project for its creativity and practicality.

The competition invited readers to join in the circular economy, a sustainable system aimed at eliminating waste, reducing resource use and maintaining the value of products for as long as possible, by submitting homemade projects created with repaired, re-used or upcycled materials.

Commenting on his competition win, Keast said: “The pen pots can be kept forever, rather than traditional plastic gift bags, and people can even change the design if they like. All my friends thought they were really cool and I had lots of fun making them.”

“Keast’s idea was really simple yet clever, and it’s those types of ideas that affect the most sustainable change” said Rachel Owen, Head of Corporate Communications EMLA, Covestro. “At Covestro we believe it is important to involve all bright minds in our global efforts in advancing the circular economy. We therefore take great responsibility and privilege in helping to educate and inspire upcoming generations.”

Keast scoops £250 in vouchers for The Entertainer toy shop which he plans to spend on a large chemistry set. He also gets his very own Covestro lab coat and goggles to help inspire his future science projects.