TWO East Lancashire schools are leading the way in helping to save the environment - and money.

Burnley's Sir John Thursby Community College and Brabins Endowed School in Chipping have been hailed for their forward-thinking work on green issues.

Between them, the schools and their students have recycled mobile phones and batteries, drastically reduced amounts of waste produced and used recycling to make money for the school.

And they have set up links with Canadian schools to study what sustainability issues there are abroad.

Future plans at Sir John Thursby include on-site composting, water recycling, and producing organic produce to be sold at local markets, and Brabins is looking to introduce solar energy to reduce electricity bills.

They are two of only 56 schools nationally to be recognised by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL), which was set up by the Government to develop world-class school leaders, system leaders and future leaders.

Staff at Sir John Thursby were particularly delighted, as the school only opened in September 2006, under Lancashire County Council's Building Schools for the Future scheme.

Sara Pelling, business manager at the Eastern Avenue school, said that in the past 15 months, the school has achieved Healthy School Status, has applied for a bronze Eco-School Status, and is also bidding to become a designated specialist language college with a rural dimension The Eco-Schools programme provides a framework for schools to become more sustainable.

Brabins school is no newcomer to sustainability, and has looked at how to protect and promote the environment for years.

Head Glynis Goldbrough said: "When I arrived in 1999 I wanted a project that would unite the school and community, and heard about the Eco-Schools initiative.

"It's something that has really established itself at the school and the community, to the point that we are recognised in Lancashire for our good practice, and our children are invited to give their input on related topics, which is great for their self-esteem.

"We have an eco-committee of pupils, because its vital to give them a voice and make them feel listened to. The result is that we have absolutely no vandalism or littering."

Both schools were also recognised for the strong links they have with the community and other schools.

The schools will now use £5,000 grants from the NCSL to build up the links to build a network of local schools, to look at their own systems and see where improvements could be made.

Brabins is using the fund to set up a special website for its network of schools, which so far includes Ribchester Primary and Pendle Primary in Clitheroe.

County Councillor Vali Patel, Lancashire's cabinet member for schools, said: "I'd like to congratulate the schools on leading the way in this important field."