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The pupils from Applegarth Nursery and Infants in New Addington and St Joseph’s RC Junior school in Upper Norwood, were presented with their award by the Mayor Boris Johnson and TV presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham

Almost 600 schools from across the capital registered to take part in the annual London School Environment Awards competition which is now in its fifth year.ÌýÌý

The awards are seen as a way of encouraging a sense of responsibility by school children for their local environment.

Councillor Maria Gatland said: “I am so proud of our children who have yet again demonstrated how important the environment is for us all".

"I would like to congratulate the teachers and students involved and encourage them to continue flying the green flag.�

enthusiastic champions

The pupils from Applegarth who were awarded with the top award of ‘distinction’ and scooped the £2,000 prize monies took part in a number of environmental initiatives including:

Picking up litter from around the school, organising a recycled costume competition which not only involved parents but got the children and their carers taking part.Ìý

Their counterparts and fellow competitors St Joseph’s RC Junior School also undertook similar projects.Ìý They came in second place and received the £1,000 prize money.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:Ìý "There has been a wonderful response to this year’s London School Environment Awards and the enthusiasm shown by all of these young green champions is really encouraging.â€�

“Not only have they set a great example to all Londoners, young and old, they have, thanks to their parents and teachers, learnt at a young age the importance of caring for their environment.�

email: evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk