Students at Leicester University used pedal power to create smoothies as part of an initiative to be environmentally friendly.

A range of events and activities were organised by the university's environment team and the students union to encourage students to waste less, recycle more, travel sustainably and save energy to contribute to the university's target of cutting its carbon footprint by 60 per cent by 2020.

Students union campaigns officer Thom French said: "It's important for students to engage with these issues."

The highlight of the week was a cycle-powered smoothie-maker. Students rescued fruit from Leicester Market which would otherwise have been thrown away and created smoothies. No electricity was used as the fruit was whizzed up in a blender attached to the back of a bike pedalled by enthusiastic student volunteers.

Leicestershire County Council representatives were also on hand to give out information on reducing food waste.