TWO teenagers have been invited to join the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and US president George Bush at an environmental event.

Nicci Gardener, from Shiney Row, and Dannielle Naisbitt, from South Hylton, in Sunderland, will join several world leaders at the Earth Summit, in Johannesburg, in September.

The 15-year-olds were nominated by Sunderland City Council's sustainability team for helping to build steps, widen footpaths and cut grass on South Hylton Riverside as part of the John Muir award scheme.

The summit gives young people the chance to voice their opinions and concerns about the environment, as well as creating a network for promoting environmental improvements.

As preparation for it, a young people's conference involving 180 young British and South African delegates is being held in Birmingham next month.

Dannielle said: "I'm really glad I've been chosen to take part in this event.

"It will be exciting travelling to Johannesburg and meeting people like Tony Blair and President Bush.

"At the moment, we are trying to raise enough money for the trip."

Nicci said: "When Dannielle and I took part in the John Muir award we never imagined it would lead to something as big as the Earth Summit.

"It really is the trip of a lifetime."

Kirk Green, youth development worker with Pennywell Youth Participation Project, said: "We're very proud of Dannielle and Nicci and feel sure they'll have a great time and learn a lot from the experience."

The girls need to raise £5,000 to pay for the trip.