The Federation of School Councils in Kettering, which was launched in May, has seen pupils from different school in the area work together.

One of their first ventures has seen them tie-dyeing cotton bags and sells them as a business enterprise and to raise awareness of recycling.

Diane Dekker, deputy headteacher of St Mary's Primary School, has helped to organise the federation.

She said: "The group met and discussed ideas for a business enterprise and they liked the idea of selling bags.

"Group members had to cost it all out and report back to their own school councils."

The federation has already received £5,000 from the youth grant scheme at Northamptonshire County Council.

Mrs Dekker added: "The idea of the federation is for children to have a voice.

"Pupils aged from five to 16 will work together on practical projects to improve Kettering.

"We have secured some financial backing and a huge amount of interest in a project which develops young people to become responsible and community-led citizens of tomorrow.

"This project is all about sustainability and empowering young people to really make a difference in their schools, neighbourhoods and the borough of Kettering."

The launch of the federation saw more than 20 pupils representing their schools along with ward councillors, Kettering Voluntary Network and other agencies.

For their first project, they planted wild flower seeds in a meadow to create a habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. The Federation of School Council's next meeting is on July 14.

The federation also attended a council meeting to ask for support from Kettering councillors.