STUDENTS from Okehampton College were among those debating the world's major environmental issues in Taunton recently.

The youngsters joined delegations from seven other secondary schools at the Genesis Centre in Taunton as part of the European-funded SEACS project on energy and climate change.

Each school received an activity pack prior to the event in order to research and prepare for a mock climate change summit, where each delegation was asked to represent a nation from around the world.

On the day, each delegation produced a climate change resolution for their country, and explained what they would do to tackle the problem.

Aimed at children aged eleven and over, the summit encourages students to take part in an event on climate change based on the UN conference held in Copenhagen in December 2013.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member for community and environmental services, said: 'By role-playing world leaders, not only will young people learn how countries around the world are being affected by climate change, but they will also gain valuable skills in debating, negotiating and making decisions based on information they research.'

Alongside this event, the SEACS project has developed lesson plans and activities in line with the national curriculum, in partnership with schools.