STUDENTS at a Keighley-district school are flying the flag.

Parkside in Cullingworth has been awarded the coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag.

The international accreditation is in recognition of pupils' work to make the school more environmentally friendly and raise eco-awareness.

A global education programme, Eco-Schools aims to encourage young people to explore sustainability and climate change – and take action.

At Parkside, pupils collaborated with the school's eco-co-ordinator to carry out an environmental review.

They assessed how eco-friendly the school was, examining everything from recycling practices and energy usage to how environmental themes were covered in the classroom.

Building on their findings, the students then planned activities designed to improve the school's green credentials.

The group connected its work to three Eco-Schools topics – litter, waste and school grounds.

Activities included litter picks, delivering assemblies to all year groups, and tree planting both within the school grounds and in the community.

The pupils also worked in the school garden.

Eco-co-ordinator, Majella McColgan, praised the students involved in the eco-committee.

She said: "They have worked really hard and are very committed to doing what they can to save our planet."

Adam Flint, manager of Eco-Schools England, paid tribute to the school.

He said: "Earning an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award takes passion, commitment and a desire to make a difference.

"Students should be proud of their great work. They’re an inspiration, and it makes us feel heartened and positive about

the future of our planet."

The Eco-Schools programme comprises a seven-step framework.

In total ten topics feature, and schools can connect their activities to three or more.

A spokesperson said: "The topics break large, global issues like climate change into more manageable themes which prompt young people to consider environmental changes they can make in their school and everyday lives.

"In our experience, educators and young people care deeply about environmental issues and have a strong desire to protect our planet. However, environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss or plastic pollution are huge global subjects and the thought of tackling them can be intimidating.

"The Eco-Schools programme provides a framework that addresses this whilst empowering young people to make a difference in their school, community and beyond. Since 1994, millions of young people around the world have worked through the Eco-Schools 'Seven Steps' before being recognised for their efforts with a prestigious Green Flag."

For more about the programme, visit eco-schools.org.uk.