An international programme for young journalists is coming to Stirling and Clackmannanshire for the first time.

Young Reporters for the Environment, which is being run in Scotland by the Stirling-based independent environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, is aimed at young people aged between 11 and 21, and encourages them to investigate and report on issues around the environment.

Entrants whose school or college applies to be part of the programme will be encouraged to investigate environmental issues, propose solutions and then publish a report, which may be traditional print journalism, photographic or video journalism.

The Young Reporters for the Environment scheme is linked closely to Eco-Schools, the programme designed to encourage whole-school action on sustainable development education issues, which is also run by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

There are well over 100 Eco-Schools in Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Over 40 fly the prestigious Green Flag, including Alva Academy, Balfron High, Wallace High and Stirling High.

Dugald MacGilp, Development Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful in Stirling, said, "At Keep Scotland Beautiful, we're very excited to be delivering this programme in our own back yard. It is going to complement our Eco-Schools programme, which is strong here in Stirling and Clacks with well over 100 schools involved.

"We'd encourage local secondary schools throughout Stirling and Clacks to participate in Young Reporters - it's going to be a very rewarding programme."