The climate champions spell it out, joined by minister Jane Davidson

The 14-16-year-olds beat off competition from hundreds of pupils to be climate change "champions".

Their Welsh Assembly Government-backed roles mean they will spend a year spreading the word to schools and families on cutting carbon footprints.

They were unveiled at an event attended by First Minister Rhodri Morgan at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff High School pupil Tom Williams, 15, who is one of the champions, said he would be spreading the message that simple steps, such as walking to school and car-sharing, can make a difference.

CLIMATE CHANGE CHAMPIONS Adam Amor, 16, Swansea James Fletcher, 16, Pengam Katie Gupwell, 14, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd Katie Mason, 14, Tal-y-bont, Conwy Tom Williams, 15, Cardiff Ashley Yarrow, 15, Tonteg Source: Welsh Assembly Government

He said: "Everybody can help at home and hopefully positive actions can be passed on to parents to take on to their work place, so everyone can get involved."

Adam Amor, 16, entered the competition last year to be a champion through his school, Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, in the Swansea valley.

He has created a website showing the effects of global warming and he hoped to make a video to send to all schools in Wales.

"At the end of the day it's not a question of will it happen, it is going to happen," he said.

"We just have to find a way to slow the rate so the effects will be a lot less on us."

Fact-finding

The champions' schedule includes taking part in a fact-finding trip to Amsterdam next month to see what is being done to reduce CO2 emissions in other countries.

They will also organise events in their own communities and across Wales.

Their first engagement in their new roles was hosting the carbon watchers Wales class at the Senedd.

The champions will turn "carbon slimming tutors" for the day and help visitors to calculate their own carbon footprints.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: "Young people have a vital role to play as champions amongst their peer groups and in their own families and communities."

As part of the competition, young people were asked to submit a news report demonstrating how they would encourage their friends, family, school or community to make positive steps to reduce their carbon footprint.