SUNDERLAND primary pupils have won an international award for their outstanding environmental efforts.

The after-school Eco-Club at St John Boste Roman Catholic Primary School, Oxclose Vilage,Washington, has won a green flag in the Eco-Schools initiative run by Environmental Campaigns.

The school has been involved in local environmental schemes including the Schools and Charities in Sunderland recycling project, Eco-Rangers and national Spring Clean.

Teacher Maureen Brewster, one of the club's leaders, said: "It all began with starting a wildlife garden in the school grounds and developed from there, with the children and their parents really getting involved."

Headteacher Paul Foster said: "We are delighted that a small school such as ours should receive such an award.

"I believe we are one in less than a hundred throughout the country to do so. The children, parents and teachers involved really deserve it."

Sunderland City Council's sustainability co-ordinator, Steve Graham, said: "We are very proud of St John Boste being awarded the highest level of this international award."

The award will be presented today by city mayor Ken Murray.

The initiative aims to get pupils and staff involved in environmental protection through practical things such as reducing or reusing waste, and eating healthy food from local suppliers.

"The pupils and staff have put an enormous amount of work, into their school and are a shining example of what can be achieved at a local level.''