A Sutton primary school has celebrated becoming one of the “greenest” schools in the country.

Pupils from Abbey Primary School were on hand to pick up their school’s “Green Flag” award this week – taking a short break from tending to the school’s resident hens, Vanessa, Chuckles, Ginger and Ethel.

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The Green Flag scheme is run by Eco-Schools, an international award programme that promotes sustinability.

Initiatives undertaken by the school, in Hartland Road, St Helier, have included turning disused land into a vegetable garden and building a “bug hotel”.

Eco-Schools inspector Chris Porter, who grew up on St Helier estate, said: “It is very evident that the whole school is involved in sustainable development and environmental education.”

Marie Palmer, a teacher at the school, said: “It is particularly significant for our children to have this unique outdoor area.

“Sustainability is now firmly rooted at the heart of our school ethos, and we pride the children on their commitment and understanding about the importance of a greener future.”

Further plans for Abbey’s sustainability drive include a “Big Dig” weekend involving the community to build a dipping pond.