YOUNG Eastleigh environmentalists are preparing to take their green message into Europe.

Toynbee School pupils Sarah Haswell and Sam Pickup have been chosen from candidates across the UK to attend a special European Youth Eco-Parliament in Germany.

They will present research carried out by their peers on air pollution at the event in the capital city Berlin.

It is a huge accolade for the Bodycoats Road school, whose pupils have beaten off stiff competition from other schools across Britain to take part in the event.

For the past year they have been carrying out research for their green project to find out how pupils get to school and ways of encouraging walking and cycling.

As well as promoting their eco-friendly message on a website, they have produced three videos for fellow pupils, parents and community members, as well as French and German versions to reflect on the borough's links with towns in the two countries. Now that the chance to make their presentation and work with other winners from a multitude of European countries is fast approaching, they can't wait for the big day to arrive.

Sarah, 15, said: "I'm really excited and a bit anxious about going to Berlin. It will be great to be part of something and hopefully make a difference."

Sam, also 15, added: "It's been hard work but a lot of fun so far. I'm looking forward to putting the views of the school forward."

Their teacher, Deborah Dalton, who is head of drama and personal and social education at the school, has guided them through their project.

She said: "The pupils will get the chance to meet and work with young people from lots of other European countries. I am also hoping we will be able to make some contacts that will enable us to carry out all sorts of other projects linked to these countries in the future."

Sam and Sarah set off tomorrow for the two-day conference in Berlin.