A CHILDREN'S Keep Britain Tidy campaign has been launched in Stockton.

Stockton Borough Council and primary schools across the district have signed up to the Eco Schools Project.

The children and their teachers will have the opportunity to develop fun, eco-friendly projects to help encourage sustainability within the school and in the wider environment. They will be able to achieve up to three levels of internationally recognised Eco Schools awards – bronze, silver and green flag – in recognition of their efforts to be more green.

One school, Fairfield Primary School, won a bronze before the schools broke up for the summer. The pupils have set up an eco-committee, Fairfield Eco Heroes, which focuses on promoting energy efficiency, waste management, recycling, eco-friendly travel and carbon reduction.

Coun David Rose, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: “Not only does this benefit the environment and wider community but it will also help young people consider steps they can take to help protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint.”

Eco Schools is a free scheme which is run nationally by the Keep Britain Tidy charity.

To find out more about the Eco Schools Project in Stockton, contact Melanie Greenwood on 01642-526596 or email melanie.greenwood@stockton.gov.uk