"Are you a climate change champion?" Stunell asks Stockport youths

2.05.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 6th Feb 2006

Hazel Grove's MP, Andrew Stunell has challenged young people in Stockport to become a "climate change champion" in a new competition launched by Defra this week.

Mr Stunell said:

"If you are 10-18 years old, you could become a Climate Change Champion. One will be picked from each region in England and I am hoping that the North West's Champion will be from Stockport.

"To enter you must make a news report about climate change - maybe an article, short film or radio story."

The competition is sponsored by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Champions will go to Switzerland to see the Gurschen Glacier which is melting due to climate change They will then speak to young people all over the North West to spread the word about climate change. Mr Stunell plans to send details to every school in his Hazel Grove constituency.

Mr Stunell added:

"If we are to combat climate change, then every body needs to think about how they can make their lives greener.

"This is a great opportunity for young people to learn more about climate change and to help others to understand the challenges we face." ENDS

Notes to editors: See http://www.climatechallenge.gov.uk/ for more details of the competition. The closing date for the competition is 31st March 2006.