CHILDREN have been given a masterclass in the importance of being energy efficient.

Primary school students from Atherton St George's and St Thomas' took part in a workshop by National Energy Action to be taught how important it is to keep fuel costs down in the winter months.

The training is is in conjunction with Wigan Council's Affordable Warmth Access Referral Mechanism (AWARM) which helps people with low incomes, high energy costs and long-term health conditions by referring them to various schemes to help.

To get the message through, pupils got their inventive heads on and created drama performances and took part in solar car building.

Judith Jones, headteacher at St Thomas’ CE Primary School, said: “The children had a fantastic session and really enjoyed learning about solar energy in a creative way using drama and science.”

Pupils showed enormous commitment to improving our environment and persuaded us that the environmental future of our planet is safe in the hands of the pupils of St George's!”

Rachael Coulthard, executive headteacher at Atherton St George’s CE Primary School, added: “The children have thoroughly enjoyed learning about how to be more energy efficient through exiting activities.

"Pupils showed enormous commitment to improving our environment and persuaded us that the environmental future of our planet is safe in the hands of the pupils of St George's!”

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, portfolio holder for health and adult social care, said: “Getting important messages about energy efficiency and how to keep homes warm as we head into winter helps to bring the ideals of AWARM to a new audience.

"We know children will take these fun workshop ideas homes with them and pass on their knowledge to their families and remember them as they grow up and have homes of their own.”