Young people are being encouraged to share their “brilliant ideas” on climate change and win the chance to address world leaders this November.

Four school students will be selected to speak to more than 30,000 delegates from around the world, coming to Glasgow this winter for the Cop26 climate conference.

Anne McLaughlin, MP for Glasgow North East, is backing the opportunity, which will allow youngsters to share their hopes for a greener world as part of the National Grid’s Voices for a Green Future.

Glasgow Times: CANDIDATE: Anne McLaughlin. Highlighting the “brilliant ideas” that young people have for the future of the planet, she said: “I’m really keen that they have an opportunity to share their ideas, big or small – they could inspire the solutions that help to tackle climate change.”

She added: “This is a great opportunity for the young people living in Glasgow North East to take their ideas to the world’s leaders at Cop26. Not only will the winners be given the platform to digitally share their vision for a greener future, but they will win grants for their school, helping get additional resources and learning opportunities for all their fellow classmates.”

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The lucky winners will each give a speech, which will premier digitally to an audience of politicians, diplomats, campaigners, activists and experts gathering at the Scottish Events Campus (SEC).

Each student will also receive STEM related toys and a £5,000 STEM grant for their school.

The contest is open to 7-15 year olds and to enter, pupils need to submit 200 words on how they would protect the planet if they were in charge of the country.

Entries will then be refined to a shortlist of ten, which will be reviewed by Countryfile TV presenter Helen Skelton.

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David Wright, Chief Engineer of National Grid and a judge for the competition said he was “excited to hear from young people all over the country” and praised their “inspiring ideas”.

He said: “Climate change impacts us all, but it is our children’s futures that will be most affected by the decisions we make today so it’s vital that their voices are heard.”

He added: “They have a strong understanding of the causes of climate change such as the fuel we put into our cars or the type of energy we use to heat out homes and schools.”

Data from a poll held by National Grid in June revealed that 80% of 7-16 year olds believed they had a responsibility to care for the environment and more than half recognised that their own actions could make a difference to climate change.

Entries are being accepted up until 5pm on August 17 and more information can be found here.