Britain sets out children's role in EU presidency

Britain gave its presidency of the European Union a flourish yesterday, unveiling a number of projects intended to help young people to get involved.

The schemes would allow children to become an ambassador for a day, stage a catwalk fashion show, or play football in Europe.

Doug Henderson, minister for Europe, Tessa Blackstone, education minister and Chris Rogers, from BBC's Newsround, launched the schemes at Deptford Green School, in New Cross, London.

"The key to getting young people to understand Europe is for them to experience and learn about it at first-hand," said Mr Henderson.

The Government has already chosen a logo for the presidency - which starts in January - designed by children from across Europe.

The initiatives are:

Ambassador for a day: The 100 winners of this competition for 11-15 year olds will go to spend a day with Bobby Robson, coach of Barcelona, a cheese- maker in France, or other leading Europeans.

Partners in Europe: This is a scheme to develop links and partnerships between schools in Britain and those in the rest of Europe.

Details will be sent to all UK schools next month.

Celebrating Europe: a competition to highlight the benefits of school links with Europe. Awards of up to pounds 5,000 are on offer.

European Young Fashion Designer Show: The British Fashion Council will stage a catwalk show during British Fashion Week, with designs drawn from across Europe.

Youth Football Tournament: This event is likely to involve teams from across Europe.

For more details see the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site: http://presid.fco.gov.uk