Schools get top flag prize

A dozen schools in Worcestershire have all gained Green Flag Awards, the top prize in the Eco Schools Programme. They join 28 others in the county who have shown a commitment to working towards a more sustainable future.

The schools include St John's First in Kidderminster, the Barnabees Nursery at Stourport, Sytchampton Endowed First School, near Hartlebury, Areley Teachers Centre and Abberley Primary.

The flags are displayed outside schools to signify that they have achieved the coveted status.

There was also a special award for Sue Fitzjohn, headteacher from St John's CE First School in Kidderminster, who will be retiring at the end of term.

St John's was the first school in the county to receive a permanent Green Flag following at least 10 years of commitment to the programme.

The headteacher has been recognised at local and national levels with people coming from far and wide to visit the Kidderminster school for inspiration.

Rupert Brakspear, on behalf of the council, said: "We wanted to express gratitude, celebrate and recognise the efforts of those involved in Eco School Programme. At a time when there is growing anxiety of climate change it is so important to take action."

Other schools gaining the Green Flags include Meadows First, Bromsgrove, Oldbury Park Primary, Defford-cum-Besford First, Perdiswell Primary, Tardebigge First, Stanley Road Primary and St Richard's First at Evesham.