CONSERVING energy, considering climate change and learning about alternative power sources are among the subject's children have been studying at a Swindon primary school.

Pupils at Oak Tree Nursery and Primary School, in Priory Road, spent the day with npower's Climate Cop team.

Organisers, who work for the npower's educational arm, said the event is aimed at teaching children about reducing waste and the consumption of energy.

The team uses five characters to illustrate reduced energy use: Oscar, Will, Skye, Charlie and Kenyush the polar bear.

Mike Pipe, one of the Cops, said it is up to the youngsters of today to protect the planet.

He said: "This programme gives the children information and also helps them realise why it is so important to turn off light switches, play-stations and televisions.

"This is a step towards everyone lowering their energy use. We encourage the kids to pass on the message to at least one other person."

The Cops will be returning to the school at a later date to complete an energy audit.

They are also taking part in climate programmes in 10 other Swindon schools.

Sue Rees, deputy head of Oak Tree, said the programme is a great chance for children to have a hands-on approach to something that will affect their lives. She said: "The fact that they are doing activities relating to the subject helps make the message stick."

Year 5 pupil Aiden Reynolds, said the day will help him to save energy.

He said: "It is important because we learn how to save energy and to meet new people."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the climate Cops scheme should visit www.climatecops.com.