The St Robert of Newminster School pupil feels passionately about climate change and wants Wearsiders to reduce their carbon footprint.

Now, the 15-year-old's view is set to influence environmental policies across the region, after he beat off hundreds of other applicants to be named as a Climate Change Champion for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Jack, from Newbottle, said: "I have learned a lot at school and there are lots of problems ahead. I'm really concerned about the damage we are inflicting on our planet.

"We need to bring down emissions and recycle as much as we can."

Jack entered the Defra competition, which is part of the Government's Act on CO2 campaign, last year.

He wrote and performed a rock song with his band Troubleshooter, which also includes his brother Joe, 10, pushing the message that we should not take the world for granted.

Judges of the competition were so impressed they asked him to an interview, where he secured his place as one of only nine regional champions.

Now, he is about to embark on a number of exciting adventures to promote climate change, including meeting Government ministers, taking a fact-finding trip to the Netherlands and taking part in public awareness campaigns.

He has also received £1,000 to organise his own Live Earth-inspired event.

Jack travelled to London this week
to meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Joan Ruddock, minister for climate change.

The Prime Minister said: "Across the world in every continent and for years to come, we will all need to examine our own lives, make changes and reduce our carbon footprints.

"Our young people have a crucial role in bringing about this change. These young ambassadors are the decision-makers of the decades ahead, and I feel greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and passion of these young people.

"I congratulate them on their bold, creative ideas and their efforts so far, and I look forward to seeing them take action."

The champions will document their experiences on www.footprint friends.com – a website dedicated to young people across the world who are interested in the environment and climate change.

They will be posting photos, writing blogs and answering questions in the online forums.

By Danielle Beeton (click name to send e-mail)

Sunderland Echo