Echo's green teams prove real prize guys

CELEBRITIES, footballers and pupils came together to celebrate Exeter’s eco achievements.

And TV’s Nick Baker said he felt the Acorn Awards event was “better than the BAFTAs”.

TOP SPOT: Stoke Hill Junior School pick up their Green team School of the Year Award from TV naturalist Nick Baker
POPULAR APPEAL: Exeter City footballer Matt Taylor signing autographs at the awards ceremony

The ceremony was organised to mark the achievements of green teams in Exeter schools.

Prizes were given in recognition of the projects carried out by the first 12 schools to sign up to the Echo’s Green team campaign, sponsored by Exeter City Council and Gregory’s Distribution. And a new sponsor, Western Power Distribution, also attended the event.

TV naturalist Mr Baker made the presentations to the winners while former ITV sports presenter Mark Tyler was compere.

Eco superhero Genius Greenius, who makes weekly appearances on the Echo’s Green team page, talked to the green teamers about their projects and everyone was welcomed to the city’s Corn Exchange by Exeter’s Lord Mayor Cllr John Winterbottom.

Also present was cartoonist Ross Hendrick, who creates Genius Greenius’ adventures each week, as well as Exeter City footballers Matt Taylor and striker Stuart Fleetwood, who signed autographs.

There was a spot of magic from magician Ozzy D and special Genius Greenius cocktails, all non-alcoholic.

Mr Baker was “very impressed” when he heard what all the green teams had been up to and said: “You are all brilliant and have shown yourself to be a bunch of green ambassadors for the future. Millions of pounds get spent on the Baftas but these Acorn awards are much better and more important — the Baftas are about entertainment but the Acorn awards are about lifestyle.”

The green teamers said they enjoyed the Greenius Genius cocktails, as well as the chance to meet famous faces.

Nine-year-old Paige Beattie, from Ladysmith, said she was especially pleased to meet the Lord Mayor.

She said: “I liked him even better than Genius Greenius.”

Cameron Oigee, 10, from Alphington, said her favourite was the magician Ozzy D.

Talking about the day, Geenius Greenius said: “All the children are so enthusiastic in their efforts — saving energy, composting, recycling.

“It is really tremendous they are doing this and I am very proud of them all.

“Pollutio and Pollutia, my arch-enemies, don’t stand a chance.”