Pupils from two Southampton schools gave impassioned presentations to city leaders and insisted that improving the environment was a key priority.

The youngsters from St Mary’s and Portswood primary schools appeared at the annual court leet meeting at Southampton City Council to call on past mayors, business leaders and former councillors to consider their pleas.

A group of young governors from St Mary’s Primary School in Ascupart Street want to see the environment in their area improved, including cleaner streets and increased recycling.

Pupils at Portswood Primary School in Somerset Road are aiming to improve their environment area in the school grounds and called for the donation of new tools from the council and the help of an authority gardener to pass on vital advice and skills to keep the section in good condition.

The young governors at St Mary’s carried out a survey of fellow classmates and residents, asking how they felt about the area they lived in.

They said most of the answers focused on the amount of litter on the streets.

Both presentations were accepted by the court leet jury and they will be considered by councillors at the next full meeting of Southampton City Council.

Court leet is a rare custom that allows people living in the city to air their concerns and call for changes in the city.

Donna Berry, who is in charge of the young governors at St Mary’s Primary School, said: “The young governors spoke to every class looking for ideas for what they wanted to improve.

“They did an amazing job and I thought they did really well with how they spoke.”