An eco-friendly school has been donated US$ 5,000 towards an organic garden.

Eastchurch Primary School was presented the cheque, worth about £3,030, by Ken Saunders and Richard Gipp, managers at Cooper Crouse-Hinds, which has a base in Sheerness.

The multi-national company, which makes electrical products, has won an environmental excellence award for improving its industrial process.

The company decided to donate the money to the school, which has recently been re-assessed for its eco-school status and is now flying its green flag for the fourth time in a row.

The money will go towards the school’s organic programme, which includes building an allotment and getting a shed and greenhouse.

Environment governor John Stanford said: “With our wind turbine, solar electric and solar hot water all up and running, and our 'E-team’ doing a brilliant job monitoring energy use and recycling, we based our bid on expanding our organic garden around the new wildlife pond.”

Assistant head and environment co-ordinator Chris Ford, who runs the Green Club, said: “The benefits to the children of growing their own food, in terms of outdoor exercise, ecology and healthy eating, are becoming increasingly apparent.

“Thanks to this generous award, we’ll now be able to buy a tool shed and greenhouse and get some raised beds prepared in time for spring planting.

“The kids can’t wait.”