PUPILS have given County Durham's traffic police a seal of approval for their environmentally-friendly policies.

Members of the youth action ecology group at Shotton Hall Comprehensive School, Peterlee, visited the vehicle workshops at the force's headquarters in Durham.

After hearing how the force is taking measures to look after the environment, they presented fleet manager Roy Moor with a certificate. The youngsters saw how the force is using more diesel vehicles and recycling oil, filters, tyres and batteries.

Easington area crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brian Tait, said: "We are constantly pushing the message with young people to respect their surroundings and the environment they live in. These students turned the tables on us and challenged us to show if we practise what we preach."