YOUNGSTERS learned it’s good to be green at the launch of this year’s Junior Environment Club.

Budding environmentalists from primary schools across West Cheshire stepped into their new roles as junior environment officers (JEOs) and spent the morning learning about ways to look after the environment.

The initiative, run by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s waste and Streetscene services, encourages children to recycle and keep their world clean.

JEOs should be passionate about the planet and throughout the year are tasked with organising green activities such as litter picks, rubbish free lunches, poster designing and recycling Christmas cards.

During sessions held in Ellesmere Port, Chester and Winsford the Year 6 pupils, who were nominated to be JEOs by their schools, took tips from waste reduction volunteers, climate change officers, Streetscene members, Sustainable Blacon representatives and staff from the Bag to School scheme, on composting, dangerous litter, how to not waste food, thermal imagery and how to make the most out of clothing.

They were also tested on their environmental knowledge and drew pictures of their perceptions of an eco-house.

Afterwards all JEOs were presented with information handbooks and certificates.

Waste awareness officer Liz Ellis, who organised the launch, said the club gives the children ‘excellent’ skills before they go on to high school.

“It’s giving them the chance to be proactive in environment issues before they move on to high school, as well as organisational skills and independence,” she said.

The launch was hailed a success, with pupils describing it as ‘brilliant’ and ‘really good’.

Mark Owens, 10, said: “It is very interesting. I like helping the environment. Learning about how to recycle is great.”

Another pupil said: “I loved it. I wish we had had longer time on the different subjects!”

Kate Large, a teacher at Woodlands Primary School, said: “This is a fantastic scheme, it gets all the schools to work together and the pupils seem really keen. It’s giving the kids a real sense of responsibility – they are our future after all.”