YOUNG anti-plastics campaigners will lobby Glasgow’s licensed trade at the launch of the city’s licensing “Oscars”.

Pupils from Sunnyside Primary School will promote their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign at the 2018 Best Bar None Glasgow awards launch in Grand Central Hotel on Wednesday.

The school’s Ocean Defenders are campaigning for an end to the use of single use plastics like straws.

They’ve already convinced numerous high profile organisations - including Glasgow City Council and Calmac ferries – to stop using plastic straws.

And now Best Bar None Glasgow is incorporating the campaign into its annual awards.

For the first time, extra credits will be given to licensees who can prove they have taken steps to reduce their use of plastic straws and this could mean the difference between earning a prestigious Gold, Silver or Bronze trophy.

Eleanor Lee of Community Safety Glasgow ,which runs Best Bar None Glasgow, said: “Year-on-year, the BBN Glasgow awards have grown in size and stature and we aim to make 2018 the most successful yet.

"I’d encourage the city’s licensees to come to the trade event and find out more about the awards and what they entail.”

BBN Glasgow was Scotland’s first trade initiative of its kind and it has now been replicated across the country.

Now in its 14th year, it is leading the industry charge against plastic pollution by backing the Ocean Defenders.

Eleanor said: “We are absolutely delighted to support Sunnyside Primary’s #NaeStrawAtAw campaign and have the pupils attend the launch.

"They are very impressive speakers and knowledgeable about the harm done by plastic pollution.

"I’m sure they will help convince even more of the licensees to further reduce their use of plastic.”

Lisa Perrie, Sunnyside Primary School teacher, added: “The pupils are excited about meeting the licensees and telling them about their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign.

"Their arguments for ending the use of plastic straws are very convincing and this is a great opportunity for them to address a trade which uses thousands of straws every day.

“I’d like to thank Eleanor for embracing the pupils’ campaign, adopting it as part of the awards and inviting the pupils to speak directly to the licensees.

"If all the Best Bar None premises stop using plastic straws, it would be a major coup for the kids and hugely beneficial for wildlife and our natural environment.”