A PRIMARY school has been rewarded for its green credentials.

Riddlesden St Mary's has received a plaque and £1,000 cash prize in a national competition staged by the Co-operative.

Judges praised the school for its work generating green energy through a wind turbine on the roof of the building, its creation of wildlife habitats – with newt ponds and a wildflower meadow – and its focus on recycling, and promoting exercise and healthy living.

Chris Burnham, for the school, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award. It gave us the opportunity to showcase the wide range of interactive programmes we use to bring issues of environment, sustainability and healthy living to life for all our students.”

The prize money will be used to further develop projects, including a hen hut and improved access to green spaces.

Co-op spokesman Stephen Round said: “It is important to us that we not only provide the community with its everyday essentials, but that we contribute to improving local life too.

"I am delighted that the school has won this award and will benefit from the Co-operative’s support."

Visit greenschools.coop for further information.