THE environment was a hot topic for schoolchildren after they teamed up with Marks and Spencer (M&S).

Year 4 pupils from St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary school, in Crook, joined forces with M&S Darlington to learn how to respect and protect the environment around them.

The branch's heritage ambassadors, Sarah Dickson and Sarah Hughes, visited the school to share insights into the business' own sustainability practices, including its ethical and environmental programme, Plan A, and inspire pupils to be greener at school and home by recycling and buying locally sourced products.

Throughout the year, the ambassadors will visit the school three times, delivering talks and workshops to pupils on retailing, employability, product innovation and sustainable and ethical business.

Ms Dickson said: “Visiting schools like St. Cuthbert’s, engaging with the children and introducing them to the ethos behind M&S and Plan A is incredibly rewarding.

"We challenge the children to think about how they can make a real difference to the world around them, finding new ways to make their school and classroom more eco-friendly, as well as increase current levels of recycling."

Headteacher, Rosaleen Donnelly said: “The ambassadors from M&S really got the pupils thinking. It’s incredibly valuable to know where our food and clothes come from, and understand the impact of the products we buy and use on the environment.

"Hearing about the real differences that M&S is making, both in the UK and abroad, is truly inspiring for the pupils, who have come up with a number of fun and easy ideas to help reduce their impact on the environment.”

Sam, a pupil at St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary school, said: “I really enjoyed the workshop, we learned lots about M&S and all about recycling. Everyone needs to recycle. I do it at home. I put plastic and paper in the blue bin. If you litter it won’t help the environment.”

To find out more about the ambassadors and the scheme, call 02087182800 or email companyarchive@marks-and-spencer.com