A Stevenage primary school known for its caring community approach has again been nominated in this year’s Comet Community Awards, which provide an opportunity to recognise those who have gone the extra mile for others.

Julie Filler put forward Camps Hill Primary School – which triumphed in our Great and Green Award category last year – after praising the two-form-entry ‘forest’ school in Chells, which has spacious grounds.

Julie said: “Camps Hill School is a great and green school in many ways. They recycle everything that they can, and they frequently litter pick around the school grounds.

“The school has a gardening club where children are able to plant and nurture vegetable and flowers in the school’s own allotment.

“Just recently the children planted 100 sapling trees all around the school grounds.

“They also have an animal care club, where they keep chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits.

“The chickens lay eggs, which are then sold to parents and staff. The money raised goes straight back into the club to pay for the upkeep of the animals.

“The gardening and animal care clubs are particularly beneficial to those children who may not have their own garden or pets to look after.”

The school takes great care to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Staff and pupils alike check the classrooms to make sure that lights, computers and taps are turned off when no one is using them, and they check doors are closed when the heating is on, so it’s not wasted.

They even had a collection of old Christmas cards, which were then sent off to be recycled.

Julie adds: “They are lucky to also have a school pond, and during their annual Welly Week, the children can pond dip and observe wildlife whilst having lessons outdoors.

They also have a ‘forest school’ in the school’s own wooded area, where lessons are taught about respecting the environment and how mini beasts and other wildlife can survive.”

Julie concludes: “All in all, Camps Hill is a very ‘Great and Green’ school.”

Entries for this year’s Comet Community Awards will be accepted until April 21.

There are 12 categories to choose from. After judging finalists will be notified ahead of a special ceremony at the Icknield Centre in Letchworth on May 19.

To make a nomination, see cometcommunityawards.co.uk