Schools are quids in for being green » Communities » 24dash.com

Newham schools have achieved major awards for their commitment to the environment.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, presented the awards to pupils and teachers from Dersingham Infants School and Curwen Primary School at the London Schools Environmental Awards held at City Hall.

Dersingham School in Dersingham Avenue, Manor Park, was awarded a distinction and received £2,000, which will be used to continue with projects that are aimed at tackling litter, improving the environment, reducing the amount of energy-use and minimising the impact of climate change.

Curwen School in Atlas Road, Plaistow, was highly commended for their projects in reducing litter, environment quality and improving transport for pupils to school. The school scooped £1,000 in prize money.

Theresa Aanonson, head teacher of St Luke's CE Primary School in Ruscoe Road, Canning Town, was also awarded for her work in promoting environmental issues at her school. Theresa was praised for her understanding of environmental matters, which is conveyed to the pupils and carried through into their everyday lives.

Regular committee meetings had been set up in the school to encourage youngsters to think about how they can develop ideas to improve their local environment. The pupils manage the school garden, the bird hides and the school's recycling banks.

Councillor Pat Sheekey, lead member for the environment, said: Its great that our schools are being recognised for the hard work that they have put in place to tackle environmental issues. I would urge all our schools to do their bit by continuing to work on projects like these.

More than 580 schools across London entered the London Schools Environment Awards. The awards are open to all London primary schools and were set up to develop childrens sense of responsibility for their environment.