A NORTH-EAST student has won a nationwide competition that encourages young people to speak up for the environment.

Alex Morton, who attends Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, was presented with the Speaking Up For Trees & Nature award by The Tree Council after delivering a speech highlighting the threat of mass consumerism.

He said: “I’ve been growing plants with my mum since I was little, so I already knew a bit about the environment, but when I came to Hummersknott I learned a lot more in Geography.

“It’s actually cheaper to grow food from seeds than buying it wrapped in plastic from a supermarket. You also know more about what you’re eating and where it’s come from, and it tastes better because you’ve put the work in.

“I want to thank my parents, as well Mrs Sweeting and Mrs Morris in the Geography department for what they’ve taught me.”

The Northern Echo: Alex shows off his award with geography teacher Eve SweetingAlex shows off his award with geography teacher Eve Sweeting

Schools all over the country took part in the competition, which required students to write their own speeches and deliver them to an audience. Alex was chosen as the secondary school winner from among hundreds of entries nationwide.

The 12-year-old’s eloquent address won him a treetops high-wire experience, and he also received a certificate and an eco-friendly wooden medal.

Richard Pollard, national schools programme manager for The Tree Council, said: ‘’We were delighted to receive Alex’s speech. He is a true Force for Nature, inspiring us to name him this year’s secondary school winner of our Young Tree Champions Speaking up for Trees and Nature national competition.”

Alex and his classmates participated in different environmental activities throughout the year, including planting new trees in the school grounds. He is also an active member of the school’s HummersPott Gardening Club.

Eve Sweeting, the teacher who spearheaded the school’s partnership with The Tree Council, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Alex. We had so many excellent entries just from among our own students, for Alex’s speech to win nationally is amazing, and a credit to his hard work and passion for the environment.”

Principal, James Keating, said: “It’s a pleasure to see Alex develop into such an excellent ambassador for our school, and to hear students demonstrating such care and compassion for the natural world.”