​As Gloucestershire pledges to cut its carbon emissions by 10 per cent, one Cheltenham organisation is helping residents, businesses, schools and churches to move forward into a greener future.

Cheltenham Connect, an organisation representing areas in the south of the town, including Leckhampton and The Park, has launched its own version of the 10:10 campaign, throwing its weight behind the Echo’s own drive.

Wendy Ellyatt, founder of the community organisation, said it was hoping the initiative would start with them and spread out across Cheltenham Connect’s membership base.

She said: “We’ve got our Go Green group already, which is dedicated to green issues.

“We decided that 10:10 was a really good starting point, so that’s why we decided to sign up. We’ve already got all of the churches and schools in our area to pledge their support.

“Now, the schools will talk to pupils and parents, the churches will speak to their congregations, and hopefully it will spread out from there.

“It’s the perfect way to launch our low-carbon agenda.”

One of the schools to have joined the campaign through Cheltenham Connect is Naunton Park Junior School.

Headteacher Richard Humphrey has only been in his job since the beginning of term, but already he has promised to back the campaign.

He said: “I suppose reducing emissions and cutting our carbon footprint is an important issue we’ve all got a responsibility for.

“It’s our job to make sure our children grow up understanding this responsibility and are educated to know what to do when they grow up.

“Supporting and getting involved in the 10:10 project is a practical and real way to make sure our pupils get that education about being more environmentally friendly in the future.”

Mr Humphrey said although the school had no fixed plans in place to put in new carbon-saving initiatives, they would be doing everything in their power to cut their CO2 levels.

He said: “We’ve already got healthy school status, and we do all the recycling and things with the children, so I think we’re already well on our way.”

Meanwhile Cheltenham Borough Council has rubber-stamped its commitment to the 10:10 campaign.

The authority’s cabinet passed a motion for the council to sign up this week.

The council says the campaign will form part of a wider programme of work it is supporting.

Initiatives to cut the council’s carbon footprint will include the refurbishment of the crematorium with new, efficient equipment.

It will also reorganise its recycling of waste – saving 2,400 miles a month from its fleet – and monitor energy use in its buildings.

Projects under way include more energy- efficient lighting at Grosvenor Terrace car park and the Smarter Travel Plan, promoting sustainable travel within the council.

Gill Morris, partnerships officer, said: “We already set ambitions and targets to achieve on reducing carbon emissions. The 10:10 campaign is a means of cementing that commitment and demonstrating it.”

Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainability, said: “I would encourage everyone to sign up to do their bit.”