Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has received funding from national educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust, to support the employment of a 'Green Mentor' to work with schools and support young people in environmentally-friendly social action projects in their communities.

Projects could include tackling litter problems in the area, minimising plastic use or giving wildlife a helping hand in the school environment.

The Ernest Cook Trust offers children and young people, their families and communities, the chance to learn through hands-on outdoor activities.

The Green Influencers Scheme is a project match-funded through the #iwill Fund. The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department of Culture, Media & Sport are each investing £25 million seed funding to create the #iwill Fund and The Ernest Cook Trust is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.

Vicky Broad, who will take on the role of Green Mentor for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:

"We were delighted to receive the funding from The Ernest Cook Trust which will enable us to help young people from across the county to support their communities with environmental projects.

"We're very pleased to be a host organisation for the Green Influencers Scheme which is being rolled out across England.

"The aim is for the Green Mentor to work with 16 schools across Staffordshire over the next two and a half years."

Anyone interested in finding out more should email Vicky Broad at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - v.broad@staffs-wildlife.org.uk