SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has congratulated Hollybush Primary School in L'Derry, who beat off competition from schools throughout the UK to land the prestigious Ashden Award.

The award recognises ground-breaking green energy champions in the UK and the developing world.

The Foyle MP joined staff and pupils from Hollybush at the high-profile awards ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London, which is the highlight of the year for supporters of sustainable energy and attracts world-leading guest speakers, including Al Gore, Prince Charles and Sir David Attenborough.

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Mr Durkan, who also celebrated the school receiving its Green Flag status last October, said: "I am delighted for the pupils, staff and governors at Hollybush who should be rightly proud of themselves after winning the highly-coveted Ashden Award.

"This prestigious achievement shows yet more positive recognition of Derry.

"Coming after the high-profile of landmark City of Culture events (like One Big Weekend and Return of Colmcille) and St. Patrick's Songs of Praise success, this helps to show that the city and its schools are developing environmental responsibility.

"We shouldn't forget that the One Plan sets out ambitions for a cleaner, greener city not just for the wellbeing of its citizens and our environment but also to help us sell and attract in future markets.

"Hollybush Primary School is giving a lead in translating that ambition into worthy commitment and actual achievement.

"It is great to see them receive the recognition for all their hard work to make the school more environmentally-friendly – going above and beyond to embrace what it really means to be an eco-school."

(CD/JP)