YOUNGSTERS went green at the weekend to help launch The Bolton News’ new competition to reward the town’s most environmentally-friendly people.

Green Heroes 2008 will honour those who are doing their bit to reduce the impact our actions have on the environment.

The competition, in association with Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park, officially launched at the Horwich-based shopping park on Saturday.

Children had their faces painted to get into the green spirit and got to meet Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion — who has been leading by example.

Heather Crank-Ingham, marketing executive for the retail park, said: “Lofty is very keen on doing what he can to save the planet. He runs to work rather than driving, and always recycles his plastic water bottles.

“He has been doing a lot of work with schools to help spread the word to youngsters.”

Ethan Wilford, aged six, from Westhoughton, said: “I know that it is important to switch lights off to save energy and we do recycling at home.”

Samantha Mason, aged 14, from Chorley, said: “We have learned at school about the importance of recycling, saving energy and cutting carbon emissions.”

On Saturday The Bolton News was giving away energy-saving lightbulbs to readers to encourage them to make the switch. Replacing two 60w bulbs with environmentally friendly 15w alternatives will save households an average of £65 over the bulb’s lifetime.

For more information about Green Heroes 2008 — including categories, prizes and how to enter — visit our website at theboltonnews.co.uk.

amanda.smith@theboltonnews.co.uk