Pupils at a Blackburn primary school have earned an international accreditation recognising their work in making their school more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness in fellow pupils.

The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the world.

Pupils at St Francis’ C.E. School first formed an eco-committee to conduct an environmental review, assessing how eco-friendly their school is.

They reviewed everything from biodiversity within the school grounds to how pupils and staff travel to school.

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The pupils then planned a year of action designed to advance their school’s green credentials, improve the local environment, and protect the planet.

The eco-committee connected their work to three eco-schools topics: biodiversity, litter, and school grounds.

They then planned a variety of projects, including ‘Rock Your Socks’ (a community litter pick), and planting flowers.

Headteacher James Kewley said: “I am really pleased that the hard work of our eco-warriors and the wider school community has meant St Francis’ has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag.

“I am very proud of our eco-warriors for leading the way and helping us all make better decisions to reduce our impact on the world we live in.

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“We have made some big decisions which led to installing solar panels and an air source heat pump, but our eco-warriors have been actively promoting that it needs everyone to do a little as this can make a huge difference.”

Eco-Schools England manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards.

“The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity.

“Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all.”