A GREEN scheme for Sunderland youngsters has won £10,000 from the County Durham Environmental Trust.

The trust (CDENT) is giving the money for the sustainable waste element of the EcoRangers project, aimed at nine-year-olds.

The fourth consecutive Eco- Rangers will be held next summer, at Rainton Meadows. The two-week scheme offers activities including pond life studies, a talk on reusable waste and a nature quiz.

The project is run by Sunderland City Council's health and housing services, with Durham Wildlife Trust, and is backed by other organisations.

Council senior environmental health officer Susan Goodchild said: "This is excellent news for Eco-Rangers.

"The project gives children the opportunity to enjoy the countryside and its wildlife, so we try to ensure the experience is as hands-on as possible.

"The two-week course offers children an exciting and enjoyable introduction to the environment, encouraging them to take more responsibility for their own surroundings."

Last year, 1,500-plus pupils from 39 schools attended.

Dot Phillips, of Portland School, said: "Because Eco- Rangers teaches the children using practical and interactive methods, they remember the information far more clearly and vividly than they would from a simple classroom exercise.

"It is an excellent initiative and our children thoroughly enjoyed learning about the dangers of litter and fire.''

CDENT chairman John Wearmouth said: "The project gives children in Sunderland a valuable introduction to nature and the environment.

"They learn important lessons about recycling, sustainability, water conservation, energy efficiency and chemical pollution through a series of exciting challenges and workbook exercises.