A rural Norfolk school has been honoured with a gold award for going green.

Hingham Primary School was given the Woodland Trust's gold 'Green Trees' award for its green activities such as tree planting, visits to woodlands and creating artwork and writing with a woodland theme.

Vickie Newrick headteacher, said she was delighted about the award.

She said: 'It is so important that children get the time to appreciate and learn about wild spaces and the children here love it. We can't wait to get our platinum award now.'

Pupils have planted trees to create a forest school and orchard area at the school, built dens and been on 'mini-beast' hunts.

Mrs Newrick said: 'The trees that we have already planted as part of the award have provided us with a fabulous area that we can all use for learning outdoors.

'It has already created an amazing new habitat for wildlife and we can't wait to add to it with the natural hedgerows that shall be arriving in November courtesy of the Woodland Trust.'

The Woodland Trust aims to fill the UK wit woods and trees that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Karen Letten, the charity's schools communications manager, said: 'The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child's imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees.

'The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities.

'As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they've achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.'

To find out more, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools