Children from across the country came to Wallington to debate climate change.

Around 3,000 children entered a competition to take part in Generation Green – the UK’s first youth think tank on climate change.

Twenty winners were at Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) to develop a manifesto to take to the Government next year.

The children took part in a policy workshop and a debate about which environmental policies the Department for Children, School and Families should be thinking about in the lead-up to Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.

They also discussed whether green education in schools is the only route to meeting carbon reduction targets The debate was led by environmental expert and author Julia Hailes MBE.

Think Tank members explored renewable energy sources and sustainable designs for solving heating and water usage problems. Plus, they took part in a practical challenge to insulate large model houses.

The Generation Green Think Tank is made up of children aged between eight and 15, who were chosen by an expert judging panel for their passion and dedication to the environment.

To give them a platform from which to voice such concerns, they are working with experts throughout 2009 to develop a three point plan for change on green issues, to submit to the Government.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk