That’s how many plastic bags they have collected to be recycled rather than put into landfill or left to blow into waterways and around the town.

Their efforts were part of the Coles Plastic Bag Challenge, designed to help the environment and help Junior Landcare at the same time.

Coordinating teacher, Anne Baillie, was delighted with the students’ response.

“I thought the kids might be interested in that sort of project and they took it on board big time,” she said.

“For three weeks, the Year 5 kids sought out every plastic bag they could find ... they got them from their parents, from neighbours, from around the streets.

“Initially, I thought if we could get 2000 that would be great, but to end up with 9500 is fantastic.”

The tally has earned Ben Venue a place as a finalist among schools across Australia.

The winner will have the choice of a prize of a data projector or a large compost bin.

Ross O’Connor, dry goods manager from Coles Armidale, was on hand to congratulate the kids and confirm their plastic bag total.

This is how some of the students looked on the project:

Alana Smith: It was a good experience and I’m glad we can keep plastic bags away from animals.

Maddi McFadyen: Plastic bags are bad for the environment. People should use the green bags available at Coles.

Melanie Frost: It’s better than having plastic bags blowing around the oceans.

Paige Meredith: It was lots of fun and it will help save the animals and the environment.