More than 450 people have pledged to take action to help combat climate change in a competition organised by local charity Westden. The competition aimed to raise awareness of climate change, highlighting the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transport as one of the main human causes of greenhouse gas emissions, which most scientists agree lead to global warming. The competition was drawn by children at Gulworthy Primary School during an assembly about climate change and how we can all help tackle it. The winner of the first prize, a two-day autumn break in eco-friendly Grascott Cottage near Shebbear, was Holly Tiffin. Second prize of a solar wind up radio and solar construction kit for children went to Keith Feltham, while third prize of a half-day sailing trip on the River Tamar went to Damien Pope. The luxury hamper of local food was won by David Farrant, of Tavistock, and the family ticket to Paignton Zoo went to Linda Gilbard. The prize of a family ticket to Living Coasts was won by Delia Trathen. Westden director Anna Kennedy said: ?The response to the competition was fantastic. ?We can all help to tackle climate change by taking small actions and this is exactly what hundreds of people across West Devon have pledged to do. ?From using energy-efficient light bulbs, to walking to work and school, every little helps and Westden would like to thank all those who took part in the competition and who are carrying out their pledges.? Westden is funded by Defra until March 2008 to help raise awareness within West Devon of the causes and likely impacts of climate change. The charity is also able to offer support and free information packs to individuals or groups who would like to take action in their villages or towns to help tackle climate change. For more information contact: 0845 345 5077.
