IT'S not often you hear the words good news and the environment in the same sentence.

That is all set to change, on Saturday, April 21, at least. The south east Essex branch of the Women's Environmental Network will celebrate Earth Day with a selection of seminars and workshops. The emphasis is firmly on fun and positive news.

Earth Day is a worldwide event which started back in 1970, long before the environment became a buzzword in British politics. It was launched by American politician Gaylord Nelson as a US-wide environmental protest.

On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Twenty years later, the decision was taken to make it a global event, with 200 million people in 141 countries helping to lift the status of environmental issues on to the world stage.

By 2000, thanks to the internet, 5,000 environmental groups around the world were on board, reaching out to hundreds of millions of people in a record 184 countries.

For the past two years, a dedicated group in south Essex has been doing its bit too.

Spearheaded by Eileen Peck, the Women's Environmental Network held its first Earth Day celebration last year.

Spurred on by its success, the group is hosting its next one at Southend's civic house Porters, in Southchurch Road, tomorrow.

"Last year's event went very well," says Eileen.

"We had some nice feedback saying it had been a really fun day. That's what we want. We want it to be fun. We want people to be uplifted."

This is why the group has given this year's event the theme of positive news.

Eileen says: "It's a celebration of the beauty and diversity of planet earth aimed at recognising what a beautiful planet we live on and highlighting the fact we need to do our little bit to look after it.

"The TV programme Planet Earth may show the far flung places which are beautiful, but you only have to look out over the Estuary on a winter's morning with the sun glistening on the mud flats, or take a walk in Priory Park or through Had-leigh Castle country park to experience the beauty of our world closer to home.

"The news, particularly that about the environment, is all pretty gloomy stuff.

"We really want to make people feel positive about what's happening and empower people to make changes."

The event will be split into two sections. The morning will feature seminars, while things take a lighter tone in the afternoon with storytelling and dancing.

The event is from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, April 21. Tickets cost £10 including lunch. For more information and to book tickets, call 01268 752264.