GREEN fingered youngsters from Poole schools have helped celebrate the re-launch of the Schools’ Environment Award.

This Borough of Poole initiative encourages school children to learn about, care for and enjoy their environment, as well as celebrate sustainable healthy living.

There are six easy steps to achieve the award focusing on the natural world, waste and recycling, healthy living, transport, litter and blowing your own trumpet.

Hosted by Lilliput CR (VC) Infant School, the launch brought together pupils from local schools, teachers, parents, helpers, school governors and council officers.

Pupils set about giving the school’s bog garden a new lease of life, planting a willow tree wall and making their own small bug houses using bamboo.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment said: “This is a really worthwhile initiative and the schools can work towards significant green improvements including cleaner school grounds and more efficient resource use.

“At the same time, students are learning how this impacts on wider environmental issues and how they really can make a difference in their world. Children are the guardians of the future and anything we can do to help them understand the importance of looking after our natural environment is hugely valuable,” she said.

The award was launched in 2007 and so far has been received by 16 schools.

Those working towards this year's award include Bearwood Primary and Nursery School, Lilliput CE (VC) Infant School, Merley First School and Springdale First School.

The council is seeking schools to take part in the next phase of the award starting in autumn 2014.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme can visit boroughofpoole.com/ schoolsenvironmentaward or email environment@poole.gov.uk