A REDDITCH teenager certainly hasn't being wasting his time after his design for a Worcestershire County Council "Face up to Waste" mascot was picked by judges.

Matthew Portlock, 13, drew a picture of a character called Sir Waste-a-Lot, who will now be developed to help educate youngsters about waste minimisation.

Matthew received a framed picture of his mascot from county council chairman Peter Carter.

County recycling and information officer Rachel Parker said: "Matthew's entry was chosen because it was very versatile and we can use it to promote waste minimisation by developing a character and a story.

"The waste mountain is growing and it will be the next generation that suffers the consequences if we don't do anything now."