GREEN-FINGERED pupils at a school in Bolton have received a prestigious Green Flag award for their commitment to the environment.

Youngsters at High Lawn Primary School in Holden Road, Sharples, took part in environmental projects with schools in France, Spain, Austria, Ireland and Finland.

These included recycling and learning how to reduce energy and water use.

The award was given to High Lawn by Eco-schools, an international programme encouraging environmental education.

Initiatives such as the Go Green Gang, a group of elected pupils of all ages who decide which topics the school will focus on throughout the year and a sensory garden and forest school, in which children will have lessons in the summer, demonstrated High Lawn’s commitment to encouraging students and the community to engage with the environment.

Sue Lees, Eco-School co-ordinator, said: “The children will go home and tell their parents about recycling, which then encourages them to do it.

“It has a good effect on the community.

“It is important to start with children and educate them because they are so enthusiastic about the environment and will carry that on.

“It will make Bolton a better place in the future.”

Seen as a benchmark of excellence, the Green Flag Award scheme recognises the best green spaces in the country and encourages others to achieve high environmental standards.