An MP showed his support for young people who support the country's wildlife trusts at a parliamentary reception.

John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon celebrated the contributions of youngsters to the work of the Essex Wildlife Trust at the event, as well as supporting a campaign to bring a new environmental bill.

Mr Whittingdale said: “I strongly support the work of the Essex Wildlife Trust and we are very fortunate that in the Maldon constituency the trust has a visitor centre at Hanningfield Reservoir as well as six nature reserves at Chigborough Lakes, Maldon Wick Meadow, Blue House Farm, Bradwell Shell Bank and Danbury.

"I share their wish to see a new environment bill which will further strengthen protection of our natural environment and wildlife and look forward to working with the trust to achieve this."