PUPILS and staff of a Wyre Forest school are celebrating after it was recognised for its environmentally-friendly practices.

Wolverley CE Secondary School, in Blakeshall Lane, has received Green Flag status, the highest accolade given out by the Eco Schools scheme, following work led by an eco team of staff and students.

The group increased wildlife and biodiversity by creating ponds, making bird boxes and leaving 10 per cent of the school grounds to grow wild, while environment lessons were added to the curriculum.

Bryn Thomas, headteacher at Wolverley CE Secondary School, said: “We are all thrilled to have received the Green Flag award.

“Establishing environmental and sustainable practices is something that no-one can ignore.

“It is important to us to encourage our students to think about their environment and to develop eco-friendly habits that they will take into their adult life.

“The school would like to thank the eco team for their continued hard work and commitment to giving us all a better learning environment.”

Kieran Davenport, a year 11 student, chaired the team with support from fellow pupil Matthew Wilkins, the school’s chairman of governors David Baldwin and eco-coordinator Mark Foden, who holds a teacher award for sustainability.

The group made decisions, created policies and produced a school eco code and supported a network of energy and recycling officers in every tutor group.

Kieran Davenport received a Worcester Tryangle award in recognition of his outstanding environmental achievements with the eco-team.

Wolverley CE Secondary School now hopes to become an ambassador school, responsible for sharing good practice and encouraging other schools to reach Green Flag status.

Two other local schools, St Mary’s Primary School in Kidderminster and Chaddesley Corbett Primary School, also recently achieved the award.