Students from Laxey and Dhoon primary schools spent a day learning about how they can make a difference to the island.

The children attended a series of workshops and talks during the Bright Futures conference at The Salmon Centre in Laxey on Monday, where environmental issues such as wildlife conservation and renewable energy were discussed.

Guest speakers from Beach Buddies, Ramsey Grammar School, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, Manx Birdlife, Isle of Man Creamery and The Salmon Centre took part in the event, organised by teachers Bronwyn Ward, from Laxey, and Anthony Cross, from Dhoon.

Executive headteacher Max Kelly said: ’The Bright Futures conference was an excellent event for a variety of reasons.

’The main purpose was to provide learning opportunities for the pupils based around environmental issues and the range and quality of keynote speakers and breakout workshops certainly enabled this.

’The additional purpose was to allow the pupils of both schools in our federation to come together to learn, developing positive relationships, challenging one another’s thinking and collaborating effectively to enhance the learning experiences.’

Students were given sugar cane plastic milk cartons from Isle of Man Creamery to grow plants in, and free snacks from The Salmon Centre, which also supplied the venue free of charge.

Mr Kelly said the children will later ’follow up the conference in their own schools and classrooms’, allowing individual schools to ’plot their own distinct way forward’.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’This was a fantastic event that enabled the pupils of Laxey and Dhoon Schools to explore global and local environmental issues that affect us all and Biosphere Isle of Man was proud to be part of it.

’As the conference title suggests, young people will ensure the island has a bright future and continues to be a special place for people and nature.’