GREEN-spirited youngsters have landed an international award for their school.

Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, has been presented the International Eco' Schools' Award by Encams, formerly the Tidy Britain Group.

Leading the school's environmental projects is the EcoClub, an after-school club which has had 200 members since it was formed in November 1998.

It has held litter-picks around the town, encouraged recycling and enhanced the school site by adding colourful planters to the playground.

Teacher Deborah Buxton, Timothy Hackworth's environmental education co-ordinator, runs the club. Mrs Buxton said: "The whole school was thrilled because everyone get involved in improving and protecting the environment in and around the school.

"Judges assessed our work and action plan for further projects before announcing we would receive the award, which many countries are involved in."

It is not just the club that cares for the environment, all 450 pupils are urged to recycle paper, glass and cans, create compost heaps at home and care for the area they live in.

Mrs Buxton added: "Because we work so hard to promote environmental issues, global and local concerns, the children are responsible and take pride in and good care of the school and town."