TEACHERS from Darlington have taken part in an experiment to promote environmental schemes in the borough's schools.

Representatives from more than 30 nursery, primary and comprehensive schools attended the borough's first wildlife and environment seminar at the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace.

The event, organised by Darlington Borough Council, comprised workshops run by groups including WasteWise, Durham Wildlife Trust and the Tees Forest, all of which help schools promote environmental awareness.

Delegates, who included governors and nursery nurses, were given information on subjects as diverse as creating wildlife habitats in school grounds, recycling schemes, and how to enter the national Eco-Schools scheme, which rewards schools which meet certain criteria.

They were also addressed by Graham Temby, a teacher at Harrowgate Hill Junior School, Darlington, who spoke about environmental schemes involving its pupils, including energy conservation and a wind turbine.

Rachel Wood, the council's Local Agenda 21 officer, said it was important to give children a way of helping the environment.

She said: "They hear the messages about the environment and feel powerless. This is an opportunity to get them and the local community involved in something positive which eases their sense of powerlessness. Children really get something out of these kind of projects."