An inaugural service celebrating the environmentally friendly work youngsters do in church schools took place at Truro Cathedral.

Image shows people sat in the cathedralScores of pupils, from a range of Church of England primary schools, Rt Revd Hugh Nelson – Bishop of St Germans – and eco officials gathered together for the celebration and presentation event on Thursday, July 3.

During the service the children were thanked for their work helping to save the planet by cherishing creation, cutting carbon and speaking up. They were presented with a framed certificate to display in their school as part of the Eco-Schools AwImage shows inside the cathedralards scheme where they have been working towards their ‘Green Flag’ award.

Some pupils also helped to create the service by choosing readings, songs and prayers.

Adam Flint, National Manager of Eco Schools England, spoke to the children via video link.

He said to them: “I want to say thank you very much for what you are doing. We appreciate it.

“You are an absolute inspiration.” – Adam Flint, National Manager of Eco Schools England

Bishop Hugh also spoke to the children during the service.

He said: “Thank you for cherishing creation, cutting carbon and speaking up – Please, please, please will you do more of it.”

Person on the microphone with a powerpoint behind themThe pupils were given an acorn to think about how a great oak tree comes from a small acorn. They were also asked to write something they were thankful for on a paper leaf to hang on a tree at the front.

Clare Green, Diocese of Truro Schools’ Creation Care Officer, said at the service: “I have such hope for our planet because what you do is amazing. My hope is the amazing work you do will grow to flourish, just like the oak tree does from an acorn.”

The Eco-Schools Awards scheme has been designed to empower young people to make a difference in their school, localImage shows Bishop Hugh in cathedral with a screen behind him. community and beyond.

There are seven steps for school pupils to complete – including creating an eco-project action plan and creating a mission statement – before being awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag.