The borough's education chief has pledged to continue helping schools become more sustainable, weeks after Hampton Hill Junior School picked up £5,000 in recognition of its efforts.

It was one of only 56 schools to win the grant, awarded by the National College for School Leadership, after staff submitted details of current sustainable projects, how they have been led and how they propose to share their experiences.

Councillor Malcolm Eady, Richmond Council's cabinet member for education and children's services, said the school had worked closely with the council to implement schemes that had dramatically reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions and increased recycling rates.

Replacing oil burning boilers with gas boilers and installing solar panels had helped slash energy consumption by more than 35 per cent.

A wind turbine is set to be installed to generate electricity and cut energy bills and carbon emissions further.

Coun Eady said: "Embracing renewable energy and engaging the whole school community has seen Hampton Hill Junior become a local leader on sustainability in schools."

Bill Jerman, headteacher, said: "We are excited about all the sustainable developments at our school, many of which build on initiatives which have been ongoing for years."