An aspiring David Bellamy who is putting himself on the map with his ideas to save the planet has given a presentation on green issues to a group of councillors.

Eco-friendly youngster, Max Hardy, 12, of Richmond Court, Leyland, has been a champion for the 'green' cause for the past four years since he spotted ducks in a muddy pond in Shruggs Wood near to the Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland.

He feared they would get stuck in the mud and, with mum Louise by his side Max, a former St Pius X School pupil, raised his concerns with South Ribble Borough Council leader, Howard Gore.

"He kept saying 'mummy what about the ducks'," said Louise, 41. "He just didn't think it was fair on them."

His passion for environmental issues has grown and Max, who now attends Bolton School, surfed the internet and read books to research environmental issues.

Yesterday (Wednesday) Max was invited to give a presentation to 55 South Ribble councillors.

The project took him 18-months to prepare and included a slide show, speech and leaflets, on how people can save the environment

Last year he raised nearly £300 for the Whales and Dolphin Conservation Society by doing a five mile sponsored walk in Wigan and also sponsors a dolphin, Rainbow.

Max's spirit is not be dampened by critics who think his efforts are futile.

He said: "Live Aid started with just one person and look what happened. If someone doesn't start then no one will and nothing will ever be done."

He has even dragged his family in on the act including dad, Paul, 44, and brothers, Sam, 14, and Edward, nine.

Louise added: "He makes sure we get all the recycling done and even makes us cut up plastic rings that hold beer cans together because he's scared they may get caught around animals' necks."

Councillor David Howarth, portfolio holder for environmental and green issues said: "Max is a committed and enthusiastic young person and with people like him around we can look forward to a very positive future."