Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson has joined local school children from Dubmire Primary School in an effort to promote awareness of climate change, renewable energy and how to become greener and more energy efficient.

Bridget joined a group of 60 students from Year’s 4 and 5 from the school to take part in Npower’s Climate Cops Academy. Pupils were shown some simple ways to save energy in an exciting and engaging way. The interactive day was filled with activities including generating electricity with body movement, working with miniature examples of renewable energy sources, using thermal imaging cameras to see how much heat is emitted from the human body and the effects of insulation.

Over 9,800 children took part in Climate Cops Academy days across the UK in 2010 and the programme has reached 38,000 students since it began in November 2007.

Angela Cooper fromDubmire Primary School said:

“The children really enjoyed the day; it taught them about climate change and saving energy in a fun, engaging way. They’ve learnt some simple ways to conserve energy that will make a big difference to the school, their homes and the environment.”

After the event, Bridget said:

“Energy efficiency plays such an important part in helping to reduce our carbon emissions. Initiatives like the ‘Climate Cops Academy’ are vital to help children learn the skills and best practice which they will know for the rest of their lives. Helping cut our overallemissions and importantly save on energy bills.”