A CONSTRUCTION firm has won an environmental award for eco-friendly additions to Middlestone Moor Primary School, near Spennymoor, and Catchgate Primary School, near Annfield Plain.

Miller Construction, which did the work, has been awarded the County Durham 2001 Environment Award.

Middlestone Moor Primary pupils come from the former Spennymoor West Infant and Middlestone Moor Junior schools, which were amalgamated after the infant school burnt down and the new school was built on its site.

The new school featured wind-turbines to provide energy, rainwater recycling facilities and large skylights to utilise daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

The innovations save energy and help pupils to become more environmentally aware.