AN “inspirational” special school has been chosen as one of nine in England to lead the way as eco-ambassadors showing other educational establishments how to become more sustainable.

Mowbray School in Bedale has built up a reputation for agricultural excellence, developing a school farm and a nature reserve which are run by the students.

The school has now been named an Eco School Ambassador by a global group which is run in England through Keep Britain Tidy.

Headmaster Jonathan Tearle said: “I am delighted that the school has been awarded ambassador status. This is a reflection of the considerable work undertaken by the school pupils and staff.

“The activities undertaken by everyone have had benefits not just within our school community, but also to our work with a special school in Kenya.

"My special thanks to teacher Lucy Wallace, who has driven this project with such enthusiasm and to everyone who has supported her, we look forward to working with other schools in the future.”

Dr Morgan Phillips, education manager for Eco-Schools, said Mowbray was an inspirational school.

He added: “The quality of the applications received this year was extremely high As more schools adopt the Eco-Schools framework we can be sure that more children are developing the knowledge, skills and values needed for a more sustainable world."