Over half of schools in England have achieved Eco School status, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

Visiting Long Eaton Secondary School in Derbyshire Mr Benn congratulated pupils on turning their school into an environmentally friendly flagship eco-school.

Run by Keep Britain tidy on behalf of Defra, the Eco-Schools programme is an international award scheme that encourages children and teachers to make their school more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. By following a simple seven step process covering themes ranging from litter and waste, to health-living and biodiversity, schools work towards gaining Bronze, Silver and the highest level Green Flag.

Mr Benn said: "I'm delighted to see the initiatives that have helped Long Eaton School achieve Green Flag status in the Eco-Schools scheme.

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"Schools have an important part to play in helping young people to build a greener future for us all - and it's young people that will lead the way in creating a healthy environment for future generations.

"It's a huge achievement that so many schools across England have achieved Eco-School status and demonstrated their commitment to an environmentally-friendly future."

Phil Barton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which runs Eco-Schools in England, said: "To reach the stage where more than half of England's schools are registered as Eco-Schools is a remarkable achievement and a great testament to pupils and teachers across the country.

"Long Eaton School is an excellent example of how taking part in the scheme can add a new dimension to children's education and provide them with vital ecological knowledge to take into later life.

"As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, I believe that Eco-Schools will play an even greater role in equipping the next generation to meet the challenges of the future."

Hilary Benn also launched a regional three year action plan for tackling greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate impacts in the East Midlands on behalf of Government Office for the East Midlands, East Midlands Development Agency, East Midlands Regional Assembly and Environment Agency, in association with the East Midlands Climate Change Steering Group.

(JM/BMcC)