Primary schoolchildren have been tackling climate change by saving energy at school.

Pupils from Farmborough, St Nicholas, Bishop Sutton, Chew Magna, East Harptree, Westfield and Chew Stoke primaries saved more than 4,000kw hours in a two-week energy power down campaign to cut the amount of electricity they use – equivalent to more than two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

On average, each school reduced energy consumption by 16 per cent.

The children composed rap songs and drew comic strips, leaflets and posters to get the green message across.

They encouraged switching off lights, electronic whiteboards and computers when not in use, checking thermostat controlled heaters were off at weekends, and not using lights during PE and assemblies when possible.

The project was part of Bath and North East Somerset Council's Eco-Schools programme, which is run by Resource Futures.

The international award scheme helps schools become more sustainable by getting pupils involved in decision-making and leading the activities in school.

Jane Geernaert, Year 4 class teacher at St Nicholas, said: "We made the whole school aware of saving energy and environmental issues – the project got the whole school going."

Cllr Charles Gerrish (Con, Keynsham North), cabinet member for customer services, said: "If B&NES is to stand any chance of achieving our carbon reduction aim, our schools must be given all the advice they need to save energy.

"The council's Eco-Schools initiative is crucial to us tackling the causes and effects of climate change.

"The scheme also influences the behaviour of children and young people to become more environmentally conscious.

"The improvements to everyday carbon reduction behaviour resulting from the campaign will mean schools continuing to save energy well beyond this project and into the future."