Cel Spellman visits St Philip Westbrook Primary School

Cel Spellman, best known for his work on Cold Feet and Waterloo Road, was welcomed by staff and pupils from St Philip Westbrook Primary School on Tuesday.

The actor, who is also a presenter and radio DJ, showed his support for the school’s mission to fundraise £50,000 to install solar panels and LED lights.

This is part of the St Philip’s mission to become a greener and cleaner school.

The fundraiser is being spearheaded by eight-year-old pupil Aneeshwar Kunchala who is often referred to as a ‘mini David Attenborough’ for his conservation work.

Last year, Aneeshwar reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent, performing a poem on nature and species protection in front of 30,000 people.

He has also received a letter from Sir David Attenborough recognising his work and is featured in the Guinness Book of world records as the youngest (male) documentary presenter.

Cel’s visit to the school came as part of Great Big Green Week which is the UK’s biggest-ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.

Alongside learning about the school’s fundraising efforts for solar panels and LED lights, Cel heard about the school’s eco committee which has planted a wildlife meadow, apple trees, and has started a whole school recycling project.

This year, the committee is focusing on energy, global citizenship, and school grounds. It is setting up a gardening club, working on an outdoor learning area and planting more trees.

And the school is also engaging with MPs, councillors and businesses to find solutions to issues affecting them like air pollution.

During his assembly Cel told the children about his own personal journey to protect our planet, starting with adopting a dolphin called Lightning as a child.

He said that children are his 'biggest source of hope and inspiration' and spoke about some of the young change-makers that have inspired him including Greta Thunberg, Boyan Slat and Kids Against Plastic (Amy and Ella Meek).

Bronwen Smith-Thomas, co-director of The Climate Coalition said: "We are thrilled to see such great support for Great Big Green Week from Cel, Aneeshwar and St Philip Westbrook school.

"This is just one great example of the action being taken by young people across the UK this week for a safer, greener future.

"Now we need the Government to follow their inspirational lead and deliver on its promises to protect us, people around the world and the next generation."

To support St Philip’s mission, visit here.