CHILDREN have spelled out a bleak future for the region, in which high winds blow down the Angel of the North, the River Tyne bursts its banks and soaring temperatures make the Metro railway track unsafe.

Yesterday, the school hall at Kingsmeadow School, Dunston, Gateshead, was transformed into a television newsroom, complete with spotlights, a weather map and a news desk.

A group of 15-year-olds took on the roles of newsreader, sports reporter, traffic presenter and weatherman to present Good Morning Gateshead, set in the year 2050.

They aimed to show an audience of year nine pupils from schools across the borough the local impact of climate change.

The event was organised by Gateshead Council to launch its Schools Environmental Challenge.

The challenge encourages teachers and pupils to develop green projects in the classroom. Projects could include, for example, a recycling scheme, or a playground litter pick.

The three schools with the most innovative or effective projects each win £1,000.

For further details about the scheme, call Alun Davies at Gateshead Council on 0191-433 8670.