Children and teachers from across the area were hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently at the annual Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards, in recognition of their environmental work.

Some 16 local schools received Green Flags, with others being recognised as Ambassador Schools.

Schools awarded the Green Flag award in the district included Dromore Primary School (PS), Enniskillen Model PS, Irvinestown PS, Kesh PS, Killyhommon PS, Maguiresbridge PS, Moat PS, Our Lady of Lourdes PS, Roscavey PS, Sacred Heart PS, St. Davog's PS, St. Martin's PS, St. Mary's PS [Killyclogher], St. Mary's PS [Killesher], St. Paul's PS, and Willowbridge School.

Schools awarded the title of 'Ambassador Schools' were Dromore PS, Jones Memorial School and McClintock PS.

The school awarded the title of 'Biodiversity Champion' for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was Omagh Integrated PS, with the award sponsored by Radius Housing.

Claiming the award for 'Eco-Teacher of the Year' for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was Carrie Norris, Roscavey PS, with the award sponsored by Twinkl.

Finally, the award for 'Eco-School of the Year' for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was Willowbridge School, sponsored by NI4Kids.

Speaking about the school's joy at receiving the award, Mrs. Finessa Wallace, Eco-Schools Coordinator for Willowbridge School, said: "We were hugely honoured to not only achieve our Green Flag, but to also be named the Eco School of the year for 2022.

"For the past three years, our entire school community – from our Board of Governors and principal to our amazing parents and partner groups – have all worked tirelessly to embed the notion of environmental sustainability into everything we do, and it is undoubtedly testament to these huge efforts that we saw this success."

Speaking about the Eco-Schools programme and the celebration event, the Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “The passion and commitment of our local school children towards the environment is truly inspiring.

"It was brilliant to have had the opportunity to hear of their work at first hand, and to recognise the efforts of our young people.

"Each and every school at the event had something to celebrate, whether they have received their full Green Flag or are making good progress towards that goal.

"The Eco-Schools programme brings environmental issues right into the heart of the curriculum, which gives me great hope for the future.

"I want to thank those principals, teachers and other school staff who have embraced the environment, biodiversity and other related issues in what can be a crowded curriculum," added Councillor McElduff.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards for 2022 were sponsored by educational supplies and learning resource company, Nexus.