Youngsters are celebrating at Sauchie Nursery after the establishment received its first Green Flag last week.

As part of the Eco School programme, the 72-pupil nursery had been working on a range of environmental schemes and improvements before it was awarded the flag.

In her report to the nursery, Anne Black, Eco-School lead assessor, wrote: “Over the years you have created a rich and varied environment in which your children can play and learn with lots of features to attract wildlife. I was impressed by the range of produce growing in your garden and the children are certainly learning valuable lessons about where their food comes from.” Initiatives for children included growing fruit and vegetables in the nursery garden, tackling rubbish in the grounds as well as coming up with a song about litter.

Councillor Ellen Forson, convener of the Education, Sport and Leisure Committee, visited children, parents and staff to congratulate their achievement. She said: “ My congratulations go to everyone at Sauchie Nursery on this achievement. The Eco School programme makes an important contribution to achieving environmental awareness by encouraging young people to learn about and improve their environment and to live in a more environmentally sustainable way.”