Pupils from 88 primary schools that receive the Little Red Dot magazine are colouring their way to graciousness. Their efforts are for a contest organised by the weekly publication, which is distributed with The Straits Times exclusively to subscribing schools every Tuesday.

The children have to colour cartoons based on the campaign and devise their own slogans to get friends and family members to return used trays at the foodcourts.

Among those vying for the top prize of an iPod nano are pupils from Da Qiao Primary School - 500 Primary 3 to Primary 6 pupils were colouring away when The Straits Times visited this week.

Teachers say the exercise will help the young absorb some good values, while pupils seem to be getting the message.

Ong Wei Ting, an 11-year-old student in Primary 5, said: 'The tray is ours and the food is ours. So we must put it back.'

The contest ends on Monday.

Parents interested in getting their children's schools to subscribe to Little Red Dot should direct teachers to call Ms Adeline Tan on 6319-1675 or Ms Shahrena Hassan on 6319-5097, or e-mail cirschool@sph.com.sg for more information.

MALINI NATHAN