WIGHTLINK has launched a new fund to encourage Isle of Wight primary schools to undertake projects to help the environment.

The cross-Solent operator has challenged the schools to come up with good ideas that will benefit the environment through its £10,000 Green Fund.

Wightlink seeks to build upon the strong links with its six partner schools closest to its terminals at Yarmouth, Fishbourne and Ryde.

Keith Greenfield, Wightlink chief executive, said: “Wightlink’s new Green Fund for Schools is an opportunity for us to harness the enthusiasm of the Island’s primary school children and encourage them to come up with projects that help promote sustainability across the Isle of Wight, which is now a UNESCO Biosphere.

“Through our work with our six partner schools around our terminals we have seen first-hand the enthusiasm and creativity of our local communities, and we want to encourage them and indeed all Island primary schools to get involved.”

Typically, between £500-£1,000 in value, the grants will be available for educational projects to bring lasting environmental benefits to schools and their communities.

Wightlink Green Fund judges will be looking for projects that offer a positive environmental impact, encourage and/or protect wildlife or improve awareness of green issues through environmental education.

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 18, 2022.

Further details, and an application form, can be found at wightlink.co.uk/community/fund.