GREEN-fingered children have been given two awards for their environmentally friendly approach at school.

It is the third time Eatock Primary School has been given a Green Flag award for investing time and effort into making their school in St George’s Avenue, Westhoughton, eco-friendly.

The school also recently received a gold award from the Woodland Trust.

The Green Flag award was previously given to the school in 2010 and 2008.

Work towards the Eco-Schools Green Flag award is said to help save funds spent on electricity, water and cleaning up rubbish, enhances the curriculum and improves links with the community.

The Woodland Trust award was given to the school for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

Eatock Primary School planted new trees in the school grounds and the children have grown trees from seeds, as well as recycling Christmas cards, visiting woods, reducing their carbon emissions and joining in various other Woodland Trust activities.

Deputy head teacher Catherine Walker said: “All the children and staff have taken on board working in the outdoors.

The children enjoy their work in the wildlife area and have responded enthusiastically to planting trees and growing vegetables.

“We have seeds growing in the green house ready to plant out in spring. The school trip to the woods was voted one of the best by parent helpers, staff and children.”

Karen Letten, schools development officer from the Woodland Trust, said: “The scheme promotes a huge range of opportunities, which are all designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in nature.”