STAFF and pupils at Sytchampton First School are celebrating after the school was awarded its sixth Green Flag award in recognition of its work in preserving and enhancing the local and global environment.

The school’s eco committee makes regular energy patrols around the building to ensure that lights and electrical equipment are not left on when they’re not in use, and the gardens and school grounds have been planted to attract bees and other pollinating insects.

The school teaches an eco-themed curriculum, and the pupils have even raised the money to sponsor their own tiger.

Former deputy headteacher Iris Fox launched the eco-programme at Sytchampton more than 12 years ago, and this latest award marks Sytchampton out as the first school in Worcestershire to be given six awards.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for the environment at Worcestershire County Council, said “We are extremely pleased to congratulate Sytchampton First School on achieving their sixth Green Flag award. It is inspirational to see the young people of this school showing such leadership and enthusiasm for sustainable living. Their commitment to the Eco-Schools programme and increasing environmental awareness in their school and community has been duly rewarded, as will their continued efforts in the years to come”.

Morgan Phillips, head of education at Keep Britain Tidy, added: "Having the flags for 12 years is a real indication that a school has fully embedded sustainability in the curriculum of the school and in with this, the children’s learning".

Mrs Fox joined staff and students in a small celebration to mark the award, and she was given the honour of raising the new flag.