A TEAM of environmentally savvy school children have struck gold in their efforts to look after their area.

Youngsters from Cotsford Junior School, in Horden, east Durham, were among pupils from across the county to be awarded the Gold Tidy Ted Badge Award.

Tidy Ted – Durham County Council’s anti-litter mascot – visited seven schools over the last month to recognise pupils who have made a difference to their neighbourhoods.

Other schools to receive a visit from Tidy Ted were Collierley Primary School, Dipton; Wheatley Hill Community Primary and Nursery School; Kelloe Primary School; The Grove Primary School, Consett; Wearhead Primary School; and Gainford C of E Primary School.

Schools were invited to nominate pupils who had taken part in different environmental activities, including litter picks, tidying their school or local area, community gardening projects and schemes to save water and electricity.

Members of the Eco Team at Cotsford Junior School were presented with certificates and gold award badges for their work to help the school retain its Eco School Green Flag status for the third time.

Pauline Walker, senior civic pride officer at Durham County Council, said: “We are delighted to reward hard-working children and teaching staff who take pride in their school grounds or local community.

“We have some wonderful environmental projects and everyone should be very proud of themselves.

“The children enjoyed meeting Tidy Ted and hopefully they have taken some positive messages away with them about keeping our county clean, green and litter free.”

For more information about other environmental activities and campaigns visit www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride or contact the team on 03000 26 1000.