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Primary school pupils who held a ‘mock wedding’ have won a national award for their efforts to raise awareness of climate change.

Fochriw Primary School won the top prize in the ‘Fix Our Climate’ category, which was part of Keep Wales Tidy’s innovation challenge.

As part of the challenge, which was inspired by The Earthshot Prize, primary and secondary schools from across Wales submitted short videos capturing creative ideas to tackle the environmental and climate issues facing our planet.

Fochriw pupils were recognised for their ‘eco-wedding’ project, which showed how special milestones can be celebrated sustainably.

As part of their project, a ‘mock wedding’ between pupils Peyton and Roman was held at St Tyfaelog’s Church in Pontlottyn.

The congregation was made up of their classmates, parents and teachers, as well as some of the congregation from St Tyfaelog’s.

Classmates were also on hand to record the happy day as official photographers and a videographer.

The pupils were presented with their award by Wales’ Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also the climate change and rural affairs secretary.

The school’s headteacher, Sharon Pascoe, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition at Fochriw Primary School, but our real success lies in empowering even our youngest pupils – right from the age of five – to understand and care for our planet.

“The Curriculum for Wales and our partnership with Eco-Schools Wales inspires our school community to nurture ethical, informed citizens who use their voices to make a real difference to the world around them.”

Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: “It’s been so inspiring to see the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of young people from across Wales on display at Climate Challenge Cymru.

“Not only has it been a celebration of the incredible projects they’re already leading and the impact they’re having, but also signals a real momentum moving forward.

“The passion on display gives us real hope for the future. It’s clear that with young people leading the way, we have every reason to be optimistic.”  

The Earthshot Climate Challenge Cymru project was initially founded in 2021 by now-First Minister Eluned Morgan.

She said: “I wanted to create something different – a platform that would unleash the creativity and passion of young people in Wales to tackle climate change. What makes this project special is that it connects local action with global thinking.  

“Across Wales, we’ve seen incredible partnerships between schools and environmental organisations, where students aren’t just learning about climate change – they’re taking real everyday climate action.”