Thirteen schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley were awarded for their dedication to eco-friendly behaviour at an inaugural awards ceremony on Thursday.

The Green School Awards - newly devised by the KM Group's charitable division - recognise schemes in the county's schools which promote recycling and sustainability, nature conservation and energy conservation.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: "We are delighted with the success of our very first Green School Awards and the volume of fantastic entries we received. Our expert judging panel had an extremely difficult task of whittling the submissions down to just thirteen, of which show a variety of projects designed to aid and assist our environment."

Mr Dolby was also quick to thank key partners Loop CR, Golding Homes, Rowhill Grange Hotel and Spa, Specsavers and Mini Babybel for their consistent support of the debutante awards.

Richard Langshaw, of Loop CR, said: "Because of our business' involvement with the community's schools, it is wonderful to be part of an initiative which celebrates best practice for not just pupils, but for our local surroundings. Educating young people about the importance of our natural world is something we at Loop CR are most passionate about."

One of the day's big winners was Brunswick House Primary School, Maidstone which claimed the Overall Green Champion honour.

Catherine Beadle, of Brunswick House, said: "A group of pupils at our school have helped staff turn what was a neglected area of wasteland into a beautiful, sensory science garden. It provides children a safe place to visit where they can get hands-on with nature, and further their learning in the process."

Meanwhile Bethersden Primary School, Ashford was named Overall Eco School Champion, whilst Tree Tops Primary Academy, Maidstone became the Overall Sustainable Champion.

Pupils, teachers and parents from infant, primary and secondary schools were invited to the certificate presentation event staged at Rowhill Grange Hotel and Spa, Wilmington.

A detailed overview of all the winning schemes will be published in a best practice booklet circulated to all 650 schools across the region.

For more information on how your school can get involved with eco-friendly and green travel initiatives, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk or contact the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291

Green School Awards 2016 Winners

Overalls

Overall Eco School Champion - Bethersden Primary School, Ashford; Overall Sustainable Champion - Tree Tops Primary Academy, Maidstone; Overall Green Champion - Brunswick House Primary School; Maidstone

Finalists

Ashford: Best Eco Club - Bethersden Primary School

Bexley: Best School Conversation Project - Belmont Primary School

Canterbury: Best School Conversation Project - Simon Langton Girls Grammar School

Dover: Best Forest School - Sandown School

Gravesham: Best Forest School - Shears Green Infant School; Best Wildlife Conservation - Shears Green Junior School

Maidstone: Best Initiative for Sustainable Cooking - Tree Tops Primary Academy; Best Science Garden - Brunswick House Primary School

Medway: Best Initiative for Sustainable Cooking - The Rowans Pupil Referral Unit; Best Promotion of Recycling - The Pilgrim School (CEVC)

Swale: Best Forest School - St George's CE Primary School, Sheppey

West Kent: Best Nursery School for Recycling and Sustainability - Littleview Day Nursery; Best Primary School for Recycling and Sustainability - St Mark's CEP School