Seaton Primary School in Exeter has won a prestigious national award for its environmentally friendly building.

The school was one of 45 from across the country which were recognised for their achievements at the second Education Business magazine awards in London.

The awards continue to demonstrate how the dedication of teaching and management staff, coupled with sound investment, has delivered better learning environments.

Seaton Primary has installed a wind turbine, photovoltaic cells and solar panels in its buildings and grounds.

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They supply electricity directly to the school and have helped reduce CO2 emissions by about two tonnes a year. They also heat the school’s outdoor swimming pool.

Earlier this year Seaton was runner-up in the national Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy which were presented by former US Vice President Al Gore.

Seaton head teacher Alan Simpson, said: "We are delighted that the energy saving work we have carried out over the last two years has been recognised by such a prestigious national awards scheme in which we were invited to participate.

"Global warming and climate change are very real concerns for our world and will continue to affect the lives of all our young people as they grow up. Children today need to have knowledge and skills that will help them to understand the alternatives and to make good lifestyle choices.

Mr Simpson continued: "The renewable energy resources we have installed in our school provide the children with real examples of alternative energy production and ways of reducing dependence on fossil fuels."

(JM)