SCHOOLCHILDREN put their energy efficiency knowledge to good use at home.

Pupils at Westbank Primary School have been learning how to become more energy-conscious in a campaign headed by Halton Housing Trust.

The Trust visited Westbank Primary, in Widnes, and Halton Lodge Primary School, in Runcorn, to talk to Year 3 pupils about saving energy in school and at home.

The children, aged between seven and eight, were all provided with a copy of ‘Picture A Greener Future’, which describes the adventures of Bobby the Boiler and the Green family as they work to become more energy efficient.

Pupils were asked to do a drawing based on what they had heard in a competition to find a picture that will be used as part of the Trust’s Winter Warmth campaign in 2011.

The winner of the best picture was presented with an energy efficient light in the shape of a dog. The other children received a Christmas selection box.

In recent weeks the Trust has been informing customers about how to save energy – and money – at a series of Keep Warm Keep Well workshops. The Trust has also held sessions to encourage customers to take care of themselves in winter.  Due to the severity of the weather the Trust have also been using their customer data to check on vulnerable customers and delivering food hampers as part of a special draw.
 
Maureen Forshaw, the Trust’s Assistant Area Manager (Income Management), said: “It was a very worthwhile experience for the children. We could tell they were enthused as it was reflected in their drawings.

“Children of that age are often unaware of the effects some simple actions can make, such as switching off the lights at home when they leave a room, so we hope our work with them will have a positive effect when they are at home.”