WASTE-conscious pupils are celebrating after their school was the only one to be recognised in county environmental awards.

The Ferryhill Interact club, based at Ferryhill Comprehensive School, was among eight recipients of 2002 Environment Awards at County Hall in Durham last week.

It was one of only two groups to receive a cash prize of £100.

Now in its 14th year, the competition, organised by Durham County Council, is the only one of its kind in the region.This year, 39 entries were received across a range of categories, and nine commendations were given.

Ferryhill Interact was recognised in the waste category for its efforts to recycle used school materials. Parents, staff and governors were involved in a waste audit, resulting in paper, printer cartridges and aluminium cans being recycled.

The proceeds are being donated to the Butterwick Hospice and animal shelters. Technology teacher Melanie Cormack said the award was welcome recognition.

"We are absolutely delighted. The students feel very proud, excited and honoured to be part of such a valued scheme," she said."

In the built environment category other award winners included a timber courtyard extension to a Grade II listed former vicarage in Laithkirk, near Mickleton-in-Teesdale, restored premises in Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, and the Four Clocks Centre in Bishop Auckland.

The restoration of Blackhill and Consett Park was recognised in the natural environment and countryside improvement category, while St Mary-le-Bow Durham Heritage Centre won an award for the repair and repointing of its stonework.

Durham County Council chairman Alan Fenwick said: "This year the scheme has been very successful, with a very high number of good quality projects both large and small making the judges' job particularly difficult."