SIX EAST Durham schoolgirls are to receive the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award for their outstanding contribution to the environment.

The pupils from Easington Community School include Faye Thompson, Karen Bainbridge, Mea Morton, Kirsten Jolly and Rachel Lawson.

The girls chose to transform an extensive piece of waste land at their school for their project.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award was launched nationwide in April 2000 to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by many secondary school students to both their places of learning and the community in general.

Each secondary school in the country is allowed to nominate individuals or groups of students each year for the award.

A spokesman at the school said: "We at Easington Community School are very proud of our students.'