BUILDING a sustainable future for the residents of Marlow is the goal of a hugely successful environmental campaign at a Marlow school, which has been recognised for its achievements.

Marlow C of E Infant School, known as Sandygate, has been acknowledged for its continued success in the Eco-Schools initiative, walking away with the eco-award gong at last week's Hidden Gem awards for Marlow.

Sandygate pupils have been awarded three ‘Green Flags’ for their work making a more sustainable environment and doing their bit for energy conservation and education.

After receiving the prize at Marlow FM's annual bash, she said: Co-ordinator Sharon Reynolds said: "We are so pleased with the award, it’s great to have it from the community, the children are very excited about it.

"It was a real team effort. We have been doing it for a number of years and have had three green flags, which are accredited every three years. They have really enjoyed it.

"It’s all about the children understanding how to recycle and renew, and about food miles. We also do a lot of work learning about energy, different sources of energy and how to conserve it.

"It is really thrilling, it’s obviously been building over the years and grown into something big and it’s great to be recognised for that."

The award had stiff competition from five town initiatives.

They were Build on Books enterprise, the ‘My Electric Avenue’ car project, Danesfield School, Sara Hughes’ Home shop, and Transition Town Marlow’s Wild Flower project.

Dave Hampton, who masterminded the award, said: "The school has led from the front on green issues for many years and was the clear winner from a serious judging panel of nine."