SCHOOLCHILDREN spoke with such zest and knowledge about their school’s bid for a solar panel roof, a Widnes chemical company awarded them £10,000.

Four 11-year-old pupils, members of an eco group at Moorfield Primary School, spoke to staff from BYK Additives.

The school has been trying to raise £15,000 for solar panels for their roof since last September.

They are now just £600 short of their target.

Solar panels were installed over the summer and are set to be launched at the end of the year.

It will be the first school in Halton to have solar panels.

School business manager Lynn Webb said: “The students weren’t scripted or guided by teachers.

“I think that’s what made it so special and made the company want to help us out.

“They showed their own passion and enthusiasm.

“They didn’t use our words, they said it themselves.”

Moorfield is one of 65 schools across England and Wales taking part in a Solar Schools project, run by climate change charity 10:10.

Dr David Shaw from BYK Additives said he was bowled over by the children. He said: “We were very impressed with their knowledge of renewable energy and their ability to answer questions relating to the importance in reducing our carbon footprint.

“Their enthusiasm for the benefits the saving in energy cost would bring to the school could not be ignored.”

Cecily Spelling, Solar Schools project manager, said: “It’s incredible that four 11-year-olds have made such a difference for their school and environment.

“It shows just how much pupils can achieve when we engage them on climate change issues.”

Charmaine Coutinho from Good Energy, which is supporting the project, said: “We’re hugely impressed to see what the Moorfield pupils have done, a perfect example of inventive and tenacious fundraising for a great cause.

“It shows how the community can rally round to support a school.”