A SUFFOLK school is looking forward to both a bright and a green future.Having been judged as “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors, Hintlesham and Chattisham Primary School, near Ipswich, has now secured its first Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

A SUFFOLK school is looking forward to both a bright and a green future.

Having been judged as “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors, Hintlesham and Chattisham Primary School, near Ipswich, has now secured its first Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

The nationally-run scheme requires children to set up a committee and lead the school in looking at issues including saving energy and water, recycling and healthy-living.

The committee is made up of five children, along with a teacher, a member of the community and a member of the school's non-teaching staff.

Headteacher Sue Cross said: “Obtaining the Green Flag is something that the whole school and its surrounding community can be proud of.

“It has been a fantastic initiative for all involved, particularly as the benefits of working towards the award extend beyond improving the school's environmental quality.

“The programme gives the children a sense of responsibility and pride in what they have achieved. However, our eco work is by no means over, as the challenge now is to maintain what we have achieved so far and look towards ways of improving even further.”

The school has been awarded the status for two years, after which time it will have to reapply.

Securing the status saw the children undertake various activities, including saving power by turning off unused lights, recycling items including clothing and ink cartridges, taking part in daily five-minute runs and eating healthily.