Bellamy’s praise for girls’ eco-designs

Two Shropshire primary school pupils got the chance to meet botanist David Bellamy after winning praise in an environmental competition.

Ten-year-olds Rebecca Jones and Veronique Hawksworth, who are pupils at Condover Primary School, near Shrewsbury, met the TV star after their designs for eco-homes of the future were judged among the best in the Midlands. A book of the best designs will also be published.

Also among the dozen finalists were Holly Pleydell, 10, and 11-year-old Megan Marshall, from Beckbury Primary School, near Shifnal.

Their designs for environmentally-friendly houses were highly commended by Mr Bellamy at the competition final at Birmingham’s ThinkTank.

The book will be showcased at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s national conference in June.

Matrix Housing Partnership invited school pupils from across the Midlands to come up with innovative designs and more than 70 were submitted.

The winning design, by 10-year-old Jennifer Brook, of Rugby, will be incorporated into an actual eco-home.

Mr Bellamy praised the youngsters’ designs. He said: “The standard of entries was amazing - if the Government adopted half of the ideas that these kids had we wouldn’t have a problem.

“All of the children did really well and were an inspiration to us all.”

Gary Wellburn, a governor of Beckbury Primary School, said: “Well done to Holly and Megan - Beckbury school is very, very proud of them.

“As we are in the heart of a rural community, we appreciate the environment and we are very keen to protect the environment.”

Matrix chairman of governance Richard Williams said: “The children came up with some brilliant ideas.”