YOUNG eco-champions at The Bay CE School paid a visit to The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary ­— to feed the meerkats and meet two special conservationists.

Eco-champions in Years 5 and 6 have a key role in making their school more eco-friendly.

Committee members were given an exciting opportunity to visit the sanctuary and meet TV presenter, Megan McCubbin, and author Richard Dikstra.

The children were able to discuss the importance of places such as Sandown sanctuary, which provides a safe haven for rescue animals, conserves animals in the wild, and educates schools and the public on the importance of conservation.

Fun Kids Radio recorded a piece focussing on Richard Dikstra’s book, Tigeropolis ­— the problems facing tigers in the wild and what we can do to help.

Other features included climate change, plastics, rewilding and water ­— all relevant to the Eco Champions' mission to turn The Bay CE into an eco school.

The children were praised for being polite and well behaved, and asking "super scientific questions".

A spokesperson for The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary said it was encouraging to see such passionate children wanting to make a positive difference in the world.

As a thank you, Richard Dikstra donated three signed copies of his book to the school.