A DISTRICT school has won coveted recognition for its green credentials.

Cullingworth Village Primary has achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

To earn the accolade, it had to demonstrate measures taken to help make the school and wider community more environmentally friendly.

A team of pupils carried out an environmental review to assess where the school was already excelling, and to identify areas for improvement.

The children then examined how they could involve the whole school in activities.

As part of the project, over 1,000 trees have been planted on the school site.

And the school participated in the Tree for Every Child initiative, which was launched in November, 2020, with the aim of planting 55,000 saplings across the Bradford district.

Youngsters at Cullingworth Village Primary also have the opportunity to work with a forest schools practitioner, to enhance their understanding of nature and care for the environment.

Teacher Elena O'Hare, who supports the school eco-committee, says: "This committee of democratically-elected members has worked tirelessly towards achieving the award, even giving up weekends to plant trees and collect acorns.

"The pupils have really made a positive difference to our environment and I am very proud of their achievements.

"Also, I would like to thank YORGreen CIC for its support with the Tree for Every Child initiative."

Headteacher Cathy Isaac says: "Working towards this award takes passion, commitment and a desire to make a difference. I am incredibly proud of the pupils for leading this important work and grateful to the staff supporting the project."

The school is part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, whose chief executive officer Carol Dewhurst also pays tribute.

She says: "The trust has committed to an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, with five priority action areas driving this change. We are committed to investing in our buildings to make them more efficient, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, investigating our supply chains and operations, reducing wastage and encouraging sustainable travel.

"We currently have five schools within the trust working towards the eco-school green flag status, and the work that has been completed by the student eco-committees has been outstanding and has had a real impact.

"As part of our environmental sustainability strategy, from September we will be investing into the eco-schools programme for all 19 schools within the trust family so that we can work together to make a positive impact."