A primary school has been recognised by the Woodland Trust for work done with their pupils in the great outdoors.

St James’ C.E Lower Darwen has been awarded a gold award by the Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008, offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Schools win awards for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

St James’ C.E Lower Darwen has planted new trees in their school grounds, visited local woods, reduced their carbon emissions and joined in various other Woodland Trust activities.

Outdoor and Sports Learning Lead Mrs Wilton said: "To achieve this award shows the level of commitment of the whole school in improving learning in the outdoors.

"The award has given us the drive to improve our outdoor area.

"We have recently had a fire pit and seating area built, with help from our PTFA.

"Developing outdoor learning at St James’ has been a great success this year and we hope to continue to build on this going forward."

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools and communities engagement manager, added: "I hope St James' will now consider going for our next accolade, the prestigious platinum award."

The Green Tree Schools Award is free for schools to take part in, and the Woodland Trust is also offering free packs of trees to schools.

For more information visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools