Students at Stockton Riverside College have been given the chance to have their voices heard when it comes to the future of our planet.

The Foundation Skills team was among six groups, selected nationally, to work alongside the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Select Committee.

With their views now submitted to government as part of the, In Our Hands, Mobilising Behaviour Change report, Committee Chair Baroness Kate Parminter paid a visit to the college.

Offering her thanks to the team, and hearing about their ongoing efforts to implement positive change, she told the students: “You truly are recycling superheroes!”

The programme offered the opportunity for Stockton students to join virtual meetings to share their ideas and scrutinise government policies on climate change and the environment.

Baroness Parminter said: “We were keen to incorporate the views and ideas of young people, and the students helped give us that in spades.”

The report includes a number of recommendations for the government to consider.

She added: “This was an important chance to put our message directly to government, and hopefully influence their strategy to deliver net zero.”

Stockton Riverside College’s Foundation Skills course leader, Leanne Nixon, said: “It’s amazing to be part of this project and to have a personal visit from Baroness Parminter.

“The students have learnt so much and have really engaged with the green agenda. They are making positive changes both at the college and in their own lives.

“This is a unique opportunity, to have their voices heard and to engage with someone from the House of Lords, is an experience that will stay with them for a long time. It will have a massive impact.”