THE artistic ability of a Newport teenager has helped launch an anti-litter campaign at her village railway station.

Abigail Ward, 13, designed a poster which the members of the Newport Business Association voted the winning entry in a competition to front its new ‘Bin there... Done that?’ initiative.

The prize for the Newport Free Grammar School student was �50 worth of Saffron Screen cinema tickets and a family return trip anywhere on the Greater Anglia line.

Jeremy Rose, founder of the NBA, thanked members of the community for their support so far and set out why the litter campaign had been launched.

“Newport station users are urged to dispose of litter responsibly,” he said. “Litter is not only unsightly, but is also a threat to the environment and wildlife, blocks drains and causes flooding.

“For NBA, clearing litter diverts much-needed time and resources away from planting and restoring our historic railway station.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia area manager, said: “It is a great pleasure to be congratulating a young lady on winning this special Newport Business Association competition.

“The work of our adopters and the Newport team in helping to clear the station has been noticed in many quarters, bringing an improved environment for our customers and enabling our staff to focus on customer service, rather than having to clear up the mess left by a minority.

“I am proud to think that this has made Newport an even better place to live.

He added that Greater Anglia management would be working closer with the Newport Business Association this year to introduce some new and exciting initiatives at the station.

Julie Kendall, Saffron Screen cinema director, said: “As a cinema with a strong community ethos, Saffron Screen is delighted to be associated with Newport Business Association’s campaign.

“Abigail’s poster will help to get the message across that we are all part of the same community and all need to act responsibly where litter is concerned.”

NBA estimates it has removed over 65 black sacks of litter from Newport station so far this year.