A PRIMARY school has been given a gold award for going green.

Peases West Primary School in Billy Row, Crook earned the award from the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

Schools win awards for participating in green activities and Peases West has recently developed a new forest school site within their school grounds by planting free trees they received through The Woodland Trust.

The school has had a sensor controlled lighting system fitted which has helped them reduce their CO2 emissions considerably and pupils are encouraged to recycle any waste paper they have using the special bins in each classroom.

Staff and parents also contribute to the recycling of ink cartridges and batteries.

Karen Letten, of the Woodland Trust, said: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees.

“The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities.

“As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

A spokesman for the school added: “We are very proud to have received this award at Peases West. The children are all very enthusiastic about their outdoor environment within the school grounds and their Forest School area.

“They have worked alongside our forest school leader to develop this area, planting trees and scattering seeds.”

For more information visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools