A MAJOR grant to drive environmental change has been hailed as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'.

Middlesbrough's bid to the national Climate Action Fund has secured £1.6 million in National Lottery funding to work across sustainable food, transport, domestic energy use and natural environment. The grant will help the Climate Action Middlesbrough Partnership raise awareness of sustainable living and reduce the town's carbon footprint.

Mark Fishpool, Director of Middlesbrough Environment City, said: "With the enthusiasm and commitment of partners, this is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage communities and young people in taking action against climate change and create a sustainable future for our town."

The grants are part of the National Lottery Community Fund Climate Action Programme, a ten-year, £100 million fund that aims to reduce community's carbon footprint.

Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will support these projects to work together, share learning and be catalysts for broader and transformative change.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "We must reduce our carbon footprint.

"The stakes really couldn't be higher, but with the right support and encouragement each and every one of us has a vital contribution to make.

"This grant will build on the fantastic work already being done in Middlesbrough, so huge congratulations to all involved in the bid."