CHILDREN had the world on their shoulders as they debated how to save the earth.

K'eyesh the polar bear turned up to help Year 5 pupils learn about the impact of climate change on the ice caps at an Earth Summit.

Shaw Ridge and Catherine Wayte primary schools are two of nine schools which are attending sustainable workshops in Legge House in Wroughton.

Jane Archer, deputy head teacher at Shaw Ridge, said: "These children are just at the right age to have imagination and know how things could be different. Some of them have come up with fantastic ideas about how life could be better."

The Swindon Council event, which is sponsored by npower, put on lessons on recycling, paper making, transport, energy and climate change.

Pupil James Hinns, 10, from West Swindon, said: "It has been really good and we have learned about recycling, a healthy diet and how packaging works.

"When I am older I would like to be a car designer. I think instead of using petrol I would use an air compressed engine."

Ten-year-old Adam Godsell said: "We have been learning about different types of transport such as bikes, cars and walking."

Gill Chandler, a sustainable development officer for Swindon Council, said: "I am really pleased with how the event has gone today despite the weather. The children have really enjoyed themselves.

"I think it is really important for them to learn about sustainable living. Teaching them at this stage means they can tell their parents what they have learned."

Children also got the chance to have their say on land development near the 4,500 home Wichelstowe site.

The theme of the event is Climate Cops, which is part of npower's Greener Schools campaign.

Swindon Mayor Steve Wake-field also attended the event.

"It is great to see so many kids here enjoying themselves and learning so much," he said.

Clare McDougall, who heads up npower's Greener Schools programme, said: "It has been tremendous today. The children are really engaged. They seem to have the idea if everyone does their best, it all adds up to make a big difference."

Councillor Brian Mattock, cabinet member for local environment and sustainability said: "A sustainable lifestyle is an important educational topic and one which will hopefully benefit these young pupils as they grow up, helping them to tackle any environmental, social and economic problems they encounter in their day to day lives."