FIVE schools in York are top of the class when it comes to energy efficiency.

They are all in line for thousands of pounds in grant aid after taking part in a pilot scheme which rewards energy-conscious schools.

Haxby Road Primary, Joseph Rowntree Comprehensive, St Aelred's RC Primary, Huntington Primary and Park Grove Primary all signed up for the School Energy Certification pilot scheme last October.

They will each receive a £1,000 thank you and grant aid towards making their schools more efficient.

Michael Francis, business manager at Joseph Rowntree said: "Being part of this pilot scheme has been excellent. We were already committed to becoming more energy efficient but it has helped us become more focused.

"It has provided us with a great opportunity to look at ways in which we can not only save money on fuel costs but also put into practice a more comprehensive approach to energy conservation."

Each of the schools has put a number of energy initiatives in place and has drawn up a three-year plan to become even more efficient.

Reports from each school will go to SchoolEnergy, an Energy Savings Trust and British Gas initiative.