A PRIMARY school in Penarth is celebrating after being awarded an internationally acclaimed eco-award.

Cogan Primary School has been awarded their second Platinum Green Flag Award, thanks to the environmental education programme, Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, and is funded by the Welsh Government.

Over 90 per cent of schools in Wales are registered on the programme.

The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community.

It helps them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship, while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community.

This can include initiatives like reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, healthy living and litter issues.

As part of their Eco-Schools assessment, Cogan Primary School reduced their amount of single use plastic by encouraging children to bring reusable water bottles to school, and began using cups instead of plastic bottles and straws for afternoon milk.

Teacher Mrs Lewis, said: “I was delighted to gain yet another platinum flag for Cogan Primary School.

"This is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our wonderful Eco Committee and the fabulous staff throughout the school who care passionately about the environment.

"Everyone here understands how they can make a difference through their own actions.

"It’s been a privilege to be part of it and I know this will continue into the future.”

Julie Giles, educational coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said: “Congratulations to Cogan Primary School on their amazing achievement.

"They are a shining example of how young people in Wales are committed to achieving a sustainable future for their school but also for their wider community and local environment.”

For more information on the Eco-Schools programme, visit www.keepwalestidy.cymru