GREEN fingered youngsters at a Ribble Valley primary school have been awarded £1,000 in a national competition aimed at promoting environmental awareness.

Brabin's Endowed School in Chipping received the cash from green buff David Bellamy at an awards ceremony in London.

They were runners-up in the national David Bellamy Award for Environmental Cleanliness, which attracted 850 entries from across the UK.

The prestigious award, in its fourth year, is run in conjunction with the British Institute of Cleaning Science.

To enter, schools must prepare a 20-point environmental charter that is displayed on the school wall and works in conjunction with a progress chart.

David Bellamy said: "I enjoy presenting these awards, because involving children at this early age puts them on the right environmental track for the rest of their lives.

"The Brabin's Endowed School entry was exceptional and everyone involved is to be congratulated.

"I hope the Chipping youngsters keep up their good work and encourage other schools to follow their excellent example."

Brabin's Endowed head teacher Glynis Goldsbrough attended the awards ceremony with school cook Debbie Robinson.

She said: "We plan to spend the prize money on levelling some land, covering it with wood chips and building raised beds for children to grow vegetables."