A COLCHESTER teacher has won a national eco award for her work making her school more environmentally friendly.

Sarah Wilding was named eco-coordinator of the year at the Eco Schools Awards 2019 during a ceremony at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Mrs Wilding, who is head of geography and eco-schools coordinator at St Mary's School for Girls, was presented with award by TV presenter and naturalist Steve Backshall MBE.

Since taking on the role in 2007, Mrs Wilding has steered the school to six Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards and embedded the environment at the heart of school decisions.

She has helped bring down the school's energy and water consumption, reduce its food waste and encouraged students to take the Eco-Schools programme as their own.

Hilary Vipond, principal of St Mary's, said: "St Mary’s is proud to be an Eco-Schools Ambassador and we are committed to creating a sustainable environment in which to educate future generations.

"St Mary’s students of all ages have been inspired and motivated by Mrs Wilding; her eco-influence continues to have an impact on our students long after they have left the school so we are delighted that she has won this award.”