‘INSPIRATIONAL’ students from a Dorset school have been presented with a prestigious award for their environmental efforts.

Students at The Gryphon School in Sherborne were presented with the Environmental Youth Award from the Royal Bath & West of England Society – which aims to promote a greater awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental matters by encouraging and recognising the contribution made by young people.

The students from years seven to nine had to make a video showcasing their environmental knowledge and the action they take at school. This video secured their win, seeing them beat finalists from formal as well as ad hoc youth groups from the six counties of Bristol, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and Devon.

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The award is strictly given to a group of young people who have made a ‘significant contribution to conservation and/or environmental management and applies equally either an urban or rural environment’.

Charlotte Cavallaro, teacher at The Gryphon School and leader of their Eco Committee said: “It makes me immensely proud of our students. Young people today don’t just demand that more environmental action is taken, they show us how to do it. The Gryphon students involved in winning this award are an inspiration to us all.”

The Gryphon School was originally selected as a candidate for the 2020 awards, but covid restrictions meant that no award was presented that year or in 2021.

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The judges of the award said the school was a shining example of environmental awareness amongst the youth of today, as pupils have not only addressed the issues of plastics and non-sustainable use within the school but have also examined and actioned their own re-wilding projects within the grounds.

The students were presented with a plaque and certificate by Lady Wills and Les Davis MBE, Chairman of the Environmental Youth Awards. Mr Davies said: “There has never been a more important time to encourage the next generation to protect and improve the environment, as the youth of today will be the decision makers of tomorrow. My warmest congratulations go to the Gryphon School on their award, and on their highly professional presentation.”