YOUNGSTERS from across the region have been honoured for their green campaigning.

More than 100 people attended a celebration day for the North- East’s Climate Change Lead Schools – a network of 80 schools that are focused on environmental issues in lessons and their communities.

The event – held at the Science Learning Centre North-East, at Pity Me, near Durham City, yesterday – celebrated the work of pupils and teachers from the schools.

More than 30 young people gave presentations, highlighting some of the ways their schools have begun tackling climate change.

These included a global warming musical, community ecowalks, climate change weeks and energy audits.

The day also featured speeches from a number of dignitaries.

Councillor Mick Henry, the leader of Gateshead Council and chairman of the Association of North-East Councils, said: “The Climate Change Schools Project has not only enabled the young people involved to develop their awareness of climate change and its impact, but has also given them the confidence to research related issues and present their findings.

“The project has led to young people spreading their messages within their own homes and neighbourhoods.

“We recognise that the region’s young people can make a positive contribution to tackling the global challenge of climate change by exercising strong leadership and helping create behavioural change among citizens and their communities, now and in the future.”

Jonathan Blackie, regional director of One North East, said: “I’m delighted to help celebrate the success of the Climate Change Schools Project and the achievements of its schools.

“This project, the first of its kind in the country, is making change happen in the North-East and showing other places how to do it.”

Krista McKinzey, project officer, said: “It’s crucial that our young people realise that the future is not set in stone – that we can do something positive about it.

“It is these young ambassadors who will change the world and help make our planet a more sustainable one.

“We want the North-East to become the hub for excellence in climate change teaching, learning and positive action.”

For more information, visit climatechangeschools.org.uk