Eco-friendly children in Llantwit Fardre have made their school the first in the county borough to achieve a top environmental award after a decade of tireless work.
Llanilltud Faerdref Primary School is celebrating their success after receiving the highest award of its type available to schools.
After ten years of dedicated work, Llanilltud Faedref is the only primary school in Rhondda Cynon Taf to receive the Platinum Green Flag for their care and attention to environmental matters which affect not just the local community but the world at large.
To achieve their goal the school worked tirelessly to monitor and save energy, recycle, plant and care for their school environment and the wider community.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services Cllr Anthony Christopher said: “The work involved in attaining such a prestigious award is incredible which makes their achievement even more admirable.
”Clearly the pupils and staff have been devoted to reaching their standard for many years and finally their efforts have been recognised. They are a credit to their communities and the entire county borough for their dedication to environmental matters which are at the forefront of a world-wide agenda for the benefit of us all.”
The Platinum Green Flag is awarded by Keep Wales Tidy and celebrates the achievements of schools whose pupils and teachers have shown how much they want to protect the environment.
A presentation was made to the school by Pontypridd Assembly Member Jane Davidson and Matthew Bunt, the Eco-Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy in South East Wales.
Jane Davidson said: “I was delighted to attend Llanilltud Faerdref Primary School on this very special day. To be the first school in Rhondda Cynon Taff to gain a Platinum Flag Award, and only the 24th in Wales, is a tremendous feat.
“The school has shown a fantastic commitment to improving our environment for over ten years, with pupils taking part in regular woodland walks and maintaining their eco garden, growing sprouts, cabbages and a wide range of other produce.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to all those involved, and offer my very best wishes for the school’s future success.”
Pauline Miller, Eco Co-ordinator for the school added: “Clearly we are overjoyed at the news which is an indication of how hard we’ve worked to reach this standard of excellence in the field of environmental issues.
”This award is in recognition of a decade of hard work involving so many different children and staff year on year. We thank them all for their endeavours in making us the first primary school in the county borough to reach the highest standard possible.”
In 2008 nearby Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School from Rhondda Cynon Taff made history by becoming the first secondary school in Wales to receive the Platinum Flag in recognition of projects done in a number of fields.
