PUPILS at a Darlington primary school are dreaming of a green Christmas this year after receiving a tree as a gift.

Skerne Park Primary School has been taking part in npower's Green Christmas Tree Scheme.

The company donated a Christmas tree, lights and decorations to the school as part of an initiative to highlight the environmental benefits of sustainable Christmas trees that can be recycled as wood chippings.

The tree has a certificate to verify that it has been grown in a responsibly managed forest, and instructions on how and where to dispose of it in the New Year so that it can benefit future trees and wildlife.

Headteacher Diana Teasdale said: "Our pupils really enjoyed decorating the tree, and it has provided a great opportunity for them to learn about the environment and how we can do our bit to help by recycling it after Christmas."

Gary Doig, npower's community relations officer for the North-East, said: "We hope that by donating a tree from a sustainable source to Skerne Park Primary School, and offering them advice on how to dispose of the trees in an environmentally friendly way, it will set an example to households in the region and encourage them to do the same."