COST-saving pupils on the look out for lights left on and running cloakroom taps have won their school a leading energy award.

St Peter's Church of England Primary, Brotton, is the first North-East school - and only the second in Britain - to be awarded an energy certificate.

The youngsters, aged from four to 11 years, work with headteacher John Stinson and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council energy advice officers to ensure the school is energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

They monitor gas and electric use twice weekly, to ensure lights and taps are not left on needlessly and that recyclable material from around the school is collected.

They draw up energy efficiency action plans and report back to school governors and teachers on ways of making the school more eco-friendly.

The certificate was presented to the school yesterday, on behalf of The Energy Saving Trust. Mr Stinson said: "We are delighted to be the first school in the North-East to receive this certification.

"It is a real tribute to the passion children at St Peter's have shown about environmental issues."

Matt Percy, who runs the Energy Certification for Schools scheme at the trust, said: "The great thing about this scheme is that the whole school and community can work together to combat the effects of climate change."