YOUNGSTERS in Stockton are to become eco-warriors after winning money to set up their own "green team".

Pupils at Blakeston Community School, have been awarded £2,500 to launch Enviromob, a hands-on campaigning group dedicated to saving the planet while boosting their education.

The green grant is one of 39 made across the UK by gas pipeline company Transco, under its annual Grassroots environmental sponsorship scheme.

Michael Bell, the teacher who is coordinating the project said the money would help to fund a larger scheme to equip a clubhouse, and buy tools and sweatshirts.

It is hoped Enviromob will give pupils the chance to tackle important local environment issues and develop enterprising skills, which will also help them with their school work.

They will manage and develop the club themselves and take full credit for their successes.

Two of Blakeston's feeder schools, Roseworth Primary and Redbrook Primary, will also be involved with the club.

Mr Bell said: "Many of Blakeston's pupils come from areas of significant material and social deprivation, and improving their environment locally and globally is really important to them.

"The school already has a strong reputation for horticulture and has won an award for best school horticultural project in a recent Northumbria in Bloom awards.

"Enviromob, will help them build on these skills with activities like practical work, seeking sponsorship and campaigning. The grant means they are off to a flying start."

Clifton Bingham, another teacher involved in the project, said: "It is further recognition of some of the hard work pupils, staff and parents have put in over the years.

"It teaches the children to respect the environment more because they have put in the hard work themselves."

The pupils identified what areas of the school needed developing and how they could improve them.

Those improvements include having benches outside for children to use at lunchtime.

Mr Bingham said: "The children are helping to improve the area so they have a much better place to live and work.

"The club will help make them much more environmentally aware and respectful."