THE future for innovative schools in West Dorset is not just looking bright, it’s looking green too after being awarded Green Flag status.

Eight West Dorset schools, including Bridport Primary School and St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Bridport, have shot to the top of the award stakes to officially become some of the most sustainable schools in the country after being given an Eco-Schools Green Flag.

The flags are awarded to schools for efforts to become more environmentally friendly, enhance school surroundings, save money and reduce impact on the environment.

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for environment at Dorset County Council, said: “There are around 1000 Green Flag schools in England but until recently, only a handful in Dorset.

“A further two schools are now up for the award, which brings the number of exemplary eco-schools in Dorset to 10.”

The project aims to teach children to take action on today’s environmental challenges, such as reducing waste, saving on energy consumption, and also build a thriving school community.

So far, schools from over 50 countries across the world has signed up for the challenge, from Kenya to Kazakhstan, to earn the prestigious award.

Cllr Finney added: “We all need to work together to tackle the global climate change.

“Fortunately, children at these schools have shown they are more than up to the challenge!”

The schools have been supported along the way by Dorset County Council through the Communities Living Sustainably in Dorset.

It is a three-year Big Lottery-sponsored project in West Dorset aimed at helping all members of the community adapt to climate change and adopt more environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

The schools that received the Green Flag include: Frome Valley First School, Damers First School, Dorchester Middle School, The Prince of Wales School, Bridport Primary School, Bridport St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Broadmayne First School and Symondsbury Primary School.