AN eco-school in York has become the first in the city to retain its green flag status.

Lakeside School, near Clifton Moor, hung on to the award after maintaining its eco-friendly policies which won it the first green flag two years ago.

The school has taken huge steps to reduce its energy output and has forged ahead with other initiatives such as an allotment-hire scheme for parents.

The school has also received extra funding from the European Union and The British Council, which has enabled it to join a partnership project with sustainable schools across ten other EU countries.

In May, staff and pupils plan to visit an eco-school in Slovakia, while other institutions involved in the scheme will visit Lakeside in December.

Teacher Janette Hill said: “We are proud of our achievements to become a sustainable school and thank everybody for their support.”