Olympic gymnasts meet youngsters leading the way over environment

World champion Beth Tweddle and Olympic bronze medallist Louis Smith coached youngsters at Sherburn Hungate Primary School in Sherburn-in-Elmet after the school won a competition for their efforts to help the

environment.

The school was chosen for the visit as part of the team Green Britain campaign which promotes projects to cut carbon emissions by 2012.

As part of the campaign, Sherburn Hungate primary won a competition, run by EDF energy, for its work to become a green school, which includes pupils working as eco-monitors and running a competition challenging children to develop an "eco-slogan."

Louis, who became the first Briton in 80 years to win a gymnastic medal at the Olympics for his performance on the pommel horse in the Beijing Games in 2008 and Beth, who became a world champion last year, visited the school as their prize, to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Louis said: "London 2012 is our opportunity for Britain to take the lead in the fight against climate change and leave a real environmental legacy for future generations, such as the children Beth and I visited at Sherburn Hungate Primary School. It's great to have the opportunity to come and see first-hand how youngsters

are engaging with the environment and give them a few tips on how to lead a more active lifestyle at the same time."