Winning competition means the earth to college’s students

Derby College Group has come first in a new environmental initiative organised for young people by charity Planet Earth Games and the Association of Colleges.

Students across the group’s different colleges took part in five virtual challenges across the week and then submitted videos and photographs.

Having completed the most challenges, DCG was announced the national winner and has been presented with the first-ever Eco Trophy made of sustainable wood.

The aim of the competition was to encourage young people to get active and become more connected to nature and improve their own wellbeing.

Challenges included trying vegan recipes, litter picking, recycling fashion and even tree-hugging.

Jon Collins, DCG’s head of land-based studies and head of sustainability, said: “Hundreds of students across the college embraced the opportunities to be involved in this new initiative – proving that environmental and sustainability issues are high on young people’s agendas.

“We are delighted to have won and the Eco Trophy will be displayed in pride of place.”

Chris Broadbent, founder of Planet Earth Games, said: “We were thrilled with the success of the first ever Planet Earth Games event and congratulations to everyone involved at Derby College.

“The gusto and creativity in which students at all the 25 participating colleges tackled each challenge was superb.

“Working with our partners at the Association of Colleges, we now have a real foundation from which to build.

“We are particularly excited about the prospect of working with students to develop this concept to best deliver for young people.”