CHILDREN took a break from lessons to visit an environmental centre to learn how they can improve their surroundings at school and at home.

Pupils from St Mary's CE Combined School in School Lane, Amersham, visited Shortenills Environmental Education Centre, in Chalfont St Giles, for a week, and took part in a new education programme called Earth Champions.

They enjoyed a number of activities including taking part in an Earthwalk, and pledged to re-use items and recycle as much of their waste as possible.

Roy Durrant, headteacher said: "It's really encouraging to see our pupils developing such a positive and responsible attitude to their environment.

He added: "The work done by our pupils at school, both in the classroom and in their immediate surroundings develops over the years so that a greater responsibility can be taken on by each pupil, and more demanding targets progressively set."

Amersham Field Centre along the A404, in Amersham, has achieved an Eco Centre Award for its dedication to recycling.

The award which is designed to promote environmental awareness and provide environmental education, was achieved after the centre recycled 75 per cent of its waste, such as paper and plastic bottles. The average Buckinghamshire household only recycles 11 per cent.

Eco Centre Chairman Jon Pearce said: "Its good to get recognition for our achievements and to be in a position to promote sustainability by demonstrating that we practise what we preach."