Children take action to save the planet

More than 2,000 schoolchildren from across the borough are set to find out more about how they can each do their bit to help save the planet.

Pupils from 27 primary schools in Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Pennines will take part in a series of workshops designed to teach them more about their local environment and how they can better look after it as part of Local Environment Action Fortnight (LEAF).

Two weeks of fun activities have been organised, covering issues such as recycling, litter, how we use energy and citizenship.

The workshops, organised by the council in conjunction with the Rochdale Education for Sustainability Network will take place both in schools and at outdoor sites such as Hopwood Woods, Hollingworth Lake, Healey Dell, Harehill Park and Queen’s Park.

LEAF is now in its fifth year and going from strength to strength with 72 workshops planned over the two week period.

Cabinet member for children, schools and families, councillor Irene Davidson said: "Our children are the future and it’s vitally important that they understand the impact that they can have on the environment.  What we teach them now will stick with them for years to come and is to the benefit of everyone.  I'm delighted that so many are taking part. "