A £5.87m school is to become a model for environmentally-friendly education in County Durham.

Murton Community Primary School, which replaces the east Durham village's Jubilee Primary School and Nursery, was officially opened yesterday by county councillor John Maddison.

But even before its official unveiling, the school notched up a commendation in the County Durham 2006 Environment Awards.

Coun Maddison, who represents the village, said that bringing together three schools in one building optimised running costs and brought the community together while the design "pushes forward the boundaries of innovation and inspiration".

He said: "Its design has become a template for other new schools in the county and upholds the vision of schools of the future.

"Using this design for future schools, means cost savings, more efficient use of the designer's time, savings on materials from bulk purchasing and tried and tested design and construction methods resulting in high-quality facilities."

Sustainability, he said was an integral part of the project and each space had been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation. High level windows have increased natural light by 30 per cent and allowed the best use of wall areas.

"With Sure Start provision for pre-school children, nursery and community facilities, the 'all-through' primary school will be strongly positioned to deliver the best primary education for the future," said Coun Maddison.

Councillor Claire Vasey, the county council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, said the new building would ensure that the high standards of education in Murton would not only be maintained, but further developed.

"Murton Community Primary has already made a very successful start and has just received a very encouraging Ofsted report following an inspection last month," she said. Congratulating headteacher Phil Scott, Coun Vasey said: "I'm sure we have a building that matches the excellence and high aspirations of the school.

"As the children's services authority, the county council has to take into account not only the education agenda, but also the health and social care needs of the children."