There was a spring in the step of 13-year-old David Saddington yesterday after he was chosen as the young climate change champion for the North-East.
David, from Stockton, met Prime Minister Tony Blair and Government chief scientist Sir David King in London.
He is one of nine champions across England who are at the start of a year in which they aim to communicate to their generation the risk of climate change and the role that young people can have in tackling it.
They will also fulfil engagements throughout the year, including a fact-finding tour to Switzerland to witness the effects of climate change at the Gurschen glacier. The nine were chosen from over 600 entries following a competition asking them to use different types of media to communicate the threat of climate change in their region.
A total of 39 youngsters, aged between 10 and 18, were then interviewed in London, with the successful nine being chosen for their enthusiasm and passion about climate change, knowledge of the subject, ability to communicate, and understanding of their region.
David said yesterday that he will keep his message on climate change simple and easy to understand and that everyone can be part of the solution rather than the problem.
The search for the nine champions is part of the Government's climate change communications initiative, Tomorrow's Climate, Today's Challenge - a three-year drive to communicate the threat of climate change and for the need for everyone - Government, industry and individuals to help tackle the problem.
Environment Secretary David Miliband said: "Clearly these winners have put in a tremendous amount of effort in learning more about climate change. They understand that tackling climate change is the greatest single environmental issue that we all face in this generation."
Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson said: "These nine champions show there is a great deal of interest among young people on environmental issues. I look forward to working alongside them in the regions during the coming year."
