The pupils of eight secondary schools in the Chesterfield area of the UK have been busy creating environmentally themed designs for Chesterfield-based motor dealer, Autoworld. The project, created in association with School Matters, aims to raise awareness of economic motoring locally; pupils were asked to think about what the environment means to them and put it into pictures. Their winning designs will be used to transform a Fiat 500 with an artistic twist, a car renowned for its green credentials, flair and personality.

Autoworld were keen to involve local youngsters in a project that would have them thinking about environmental issues in a fun and creative way, that could help shape the local environment for future generations. Autoworld has been an important part of the local community for over 30 years already, so it is just as keen as local people to see the local environment protected and improved.

Cyrus Hulme of Autoworld, commented: It is really interesting to see how pupils of different ages have interpreted the brief. When you ask children to think about what the environment means to them it is amazing how differently they see it. Some immediately think about wildlife and landscapes, whereas others think about recycling and rubbish. It will also be great to see the Fiat 500 artistically transformed through younger eyes.

Local community artist Pete Barber will be hosting an artists workshop to reward the winning schools in the New Year. The winning designs will be photographed with the proud artists, and will be on show for pupils, parents and the public to see early in 2009.The schools involved in the project are Bolsover School, Heritage School, Deincourt School, Dronfield Henry Farnshaw School, Meadows School, Newbold School, Parkside School and Hasland Hall School. Autoworld hopes that the Green Car Art Competition will help the motorists of the future to understand a little about responsible motoring and how they can get involved and do their bit for the environment.