Last updated 19:45, Thursday, 19 June 2008

COCKERMOUTH School has become the first secondary school in Cumbria to gain eco schools status and receive a Green Flag award.

It was presented yesterday at the school’s Mike Wilde Eco Centre by Jan Eriksen, president of Foundation of Environmental Education and Neil Turner MP, chairman of the local environmental quality all party parliamentary group.

Over 70 eco experts from around the world attended the event, which was part of the international Foundation for Environmental Education General Assembly, which was held at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

This is the first time that the UK has staged the prestigious event, which is hosted by Keep Britain Tidy.

Previously it has taken place in South Africa and America.

Gail Harris, the school’s deputy head, said: “We are thrilled to receive eco schools status and look forward to receiving the Green Flag award.

“Pupils and staff have been working towards this for some time and environmental issues are part of the ethos of the school.

“This award is a wonderful recognition of the environmental activities, large and small including recycling and energy reduction being made at Cockermouth School. “We are grateful to the community and particularly Cumbria County Council for their support.”