Dutch environment minister Pieter van Geel came to Almere for the announcement of the Bet's result.

Conceding defeat, he presented a cheque for 2,000 euros, honouring a contract made with the kids back in October.

The money will help in buying a display panel to monitor energy produced by the school's new rooftop wind turbines.

Schoolgirl Saraya Ganzeules, 16, helped persuade Almere businesses to back the Bet by making energy savings.

Ivar Geel, 15, persuaded his family to don sweaters and turn off the heating at home for the four weeks of The Bet.

As a result of The Bet, five-minute showers are now the rule in the home of Lindsay Reiche, 14.

Valerie Buijs, 15, believes that everybody on the planet must do their bit to save energy.

The family of Maikel Breedveld, 15, hardly ever uses its car other than for commuting, and they largely shop by bike.

Johanna Westenbroek, 13, helped make a green paper hat featuring a light-bulb for promoting The Bet...

...and here is the hat itself, sported by school environmental officer Horst van Woersem, who motivated the kids.

The Bet's arbiter, Grietje Holleman of Friends of the Earth, says it teaches the young about climate problems.