HOIST THE FLAG TO SAVE THE PLANET: St Patrick's has become the latest school in our area to gain the coveted Green Flag eco- award status. Under the guidance of their inspirational teachers the children have earned the award the hard way by demonstrating to the assessors a grasp and understanding of the environmental issues (and sadly many adults don't) that have such a huge impact on our lives and their future.

Look out for mini nature reserves in the school grounds and be prepared for lectures from your children and grandchildren who attend the school on the importance of recycling.

They will not only tell you why we need to do it, but they will also show you how. Have no doubt about it, these kids have the power and the knowledge to save the planet from the mess that my and previous generations have made of it.

Once again we need to thank their teachers. It is so easy for us to take their work for granted. To ensure that the kids feel justifiably proud of their achievement the ward councillors have funded a new flagpole to enable them to show off their new flag for all to see.

MINDLESS VANDALS: People in the Hampshire Avenue area are having a few problems with a handful of mindless vandals who cause damage to properties and vehicles.

The gang think that it is fun to throw stones at house and car windows as they pass through the area, causing a lot of needless damage and heartache to those they affect. As with all forms of anti-social behaviour, they aren't going to get away with it. The police and ward councillors would appreciate any information that can help identify them.

LEAP OF FAITH: Are you insane? What are you doing on March 29? How does a leap from the Civic Centre clock tower appeal to you? OK, not so much a leap as a controlled abseil descent with the help and support of experts.

But hey! Think of the bragging rights with your mates! The event is in aid of this year's mayoral charities and will be great fun, (well at least for those watching).

If you don't fancy the full height, come and bring your youngsters and have a go yourself at the fantastic mini climbing wall that has to be seen to be believed.

If you don't fancy that just come and enjoy a burger and a cup of tea as you watch Newport's bravest citizens dangle from one of our most famous landmarks.

Taking part requires a minimum of £60 sponsorship and a reasonable level of fitness. Forms and further details are available from Annita Ashurst on Newport 232035.

FASHION ROCKS: Have we got some energy in Newport or what! The Fashion Rocks concert at the Newport Centre was an explosion of fashion, design, music, dance and colour. Another fantastic example of the talent our youngsters can unleash when they are inspired, motivated and given the opportunity.

I have seen many great acts perform at the Newport Centre, and all of them combined couldn't generate anywhere near as much energy as these fantastic Newport kids did. (If we could tap into their energy source there would be no need for power stations or the proposed Severn Barrage, I can tell you.) Judging by their beaming smiles none of the previous acts could have enjoyed the occasion as much as these youngsters so obviously did either.

Under the umbrella of the good folk at Urban Circle who do so much more than is appreciated to keep our kids off the streets, individuals and groups from every area of our city proved once again that if people look hard enough they will see that Newport youngsters can sing, dance and entertain as well as any kids on this planet. We should be proud of each and every one of them on that stage, and even more so of the adults behind them.

The event was not just a showcase for our performing artists, but also an indication of the talent that is emerging from the fashion designers at the University of Wales, Caerleon campus, and surrounding colleges.

Some of the clothing so gracefully displayed by the models was again world class. Yes, this event was another great achievement by our next generation. Our future is going to be in great hands.

NATURE WALES CONFERENCE: I recently had the honour and pleasure of addressing an environmental conference on the importance of maintaining areas for wildlife in urban and post-industrial areas. By sheer coincidence this event took place the day before the official opening of the Newport (Nash to us) Wetland Reserve, which as most people know was partly created on a previous industrial eyesore.

I managed to get up early on the day of the conference, with the idea of taking photographs along the Lliswerry and Nash riverbank to illustrate what I was going to say.

As I did so I came across a group of men landscaping' an area of new houses by removing natural trees and shrubs that attract butterflies and insects by the hundreds and replacing them with nice brand- new trees that make an area look appealing to our eyes but not necessarily those same butterflies, who will no longer frequent the area.

The point of saying this is that if I had gone to any of our schools the kids would have known the difference and would have known which they prefer. We as adults can often learn a lot from them.

All is not lost, however, because in among the massive redevelopment of our area we have discovered some real natural treasures which the ward councillors hope to establish as a nature reserve. Watch this column for details of how this progresses.