Bristol becomes European Green Capital 2015 Published duration 8 December 2014

media caption Bristol has officially taken over as European Green capital after a ceremony in Denmark.

Bristol has been officially handed the status of European Green Capital by the outgoing city Copenhagen.

Bristol is the first UK city to be named as European Green Capital since the award was launched in 2008.

The initiative rewards cities that are making efforts to improve the urban environment and create healthier and more sustainable living areas.

Mayor George Ferguson said he intended to use the year to "create a lasting legacy" the city would be proud of.

image copyright Bristol City Council image caption Bristol Mayor George Ferguson (4th from left) and delegates travelled to Copenhagen for the handover

As part of the handover ceremony 15 young people from Bristol have travelled to Copenhagen to debate with peers from Belgium, Sweden and Denmark how their generation can be engaged in climate change, and help ensure a sustainable future.

The sixth form students were selected from across Bristol after submitting an essay on the subject of why young people should care about the future of the planet.

They will present recommendations to delegates alongside Bristol's elected Youth Mayors, Rondene Vassell and James Gibson.

Cities that have previously held the title are Stockholm in 2010, Hamburg in 2011, Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2012, Nantes in 2013 and Copenhagen in 2014.

Ljubljana, in Slovenia, will take over from Bristol in 2016.