SKIPTON Academy is celebrating being one of just two schools in North Yorkshire to receive a prestigious Green Flag award for its commitment to the environment.

The school’s Eco Club was formed following a visit to an eco-conference in July, last year, and ever since has been carrying out litter picks of Aireville Park, has installed recycling bins in all classrooms and applied to the Skipton Building Society for funding to buy school water bottles and water fountains.

It received a bronze eco award, six months ago proceeded to a silver award and has now received its green flag.

Over the months, members of the eco club have gone on Drystone radio to talk about what the club does and how others can help, has continued with regular litter picks, bought more water bottles and has recruited more students to the club.

Geography teacher, Cori Blackwell, said: “After what felt like a long year and six months we finally achieved our green flag award with plenty of support from some very amazing businesses, people and trusts.”

Richard McManus, academy principal, said: “I am hugely proud of the prestigious Green Flag award that the young people and Ms Blackwell have been able to achieve in a short space of time. This really does show how are young people are committed to making a positive change in the community. What they have achieved is remarkable and the reduction in waste and use of plastics is something that benefits the school, Skipton and the wider environment. This project has been truly inspirational and driven by our students, they should be very proud of this achievement.”