YOUNGSTERS have been learning about the environment thanks to BP Cats.

Northgate Junior School, in Guisborough, is working towards Eco-Status through projects aimed at encouraging, pupils, staff and governors to be more environmentally aware.

Pupils are involved in a project with Geoff Broome, an engineer from the BP Cats Terminal at Seal Sands, to compare solar and wind power generation.

Using a wind turbine and a solar panel, children will irrigate the school gardening club's flower beds and compare plant growth.

Supporting the work, year six children from the school recently took part in an environmental workshop sponsored by BP Cats.

Phil Williams, of Plan-It Eco and a former television presenter, returned to Teesside for the third year in succession to conduct another workshop with children, this time from Northgate school.

Phil has extensive experience of theatre, and through his work in countries including Costa Rica and the Philippines, has first-hand knowledge of the rainforests and eco systems.

The event took place at Nature's World, in Middlesbrough.

Angela Hull, deputy headteacher, said: "Both the children and the teachers thoroughly enjoyed the event. The school is now becoming involved in sustainability and so the links with BP are invaluable."

Mike Smith, operations shift supervisor and leader of the Green Team at BP Cats, who attended the workshop, said: "I think it is important for the children to learn about environmental issues, and at BP Cats we are very keen to promote such issues as environment and safety, so the initiative is a great way to combine the two."

Published: ??/??/2004