PUPILS and staff at Inverkip Primary are celebrating after being awarded an Eco Green Flag for the fifth time.

The school has been recognised for its work on sustainable development and raising awareness of environmental issues.

Its eco group consists of 21 pupils representing each year group from primary one to three.

The children grow their own apples on the school grounds and use them to make tasty treats in schools.

They organise and participate in beach cleans in the local community, working alongside partners such as Inverkip Church, Café Riva, RBS and Cardwell Garden Centre.

Pupils have also set out an action plan for the next two years and are aiming to get their sixth green flag by 2020.

Leaders Victoria Chalmers and Amie Forbes were delighted to be able to tell the new group that they received their fifth flag.

Victoria said: “It’s fantastic that we now have five, we all have great fun and the eco group is one of our most popular committees.

“The pupils really want to help make a difference.

The school takes part in four beach cleans a year, with their next one being held at Ardgowan Beach on Saturday from 10am until noon.

Victoria said: “We have a beach clean every term and the pupils and their parents turn out to support it.

“We are hoping to surpass our record of 70 volunteers this time.

“The pupils love them and it is a good way of getting the community together."