Cotsford Junior School has achieved Green Flag status in the Eco-Schools programme for its efforts to raise awareness of the environment.

The school aimed to get the prestigious flag by Christmas, and found out they had been successful in October.

It is one of only a handful in east Durham to receive the accolade.

But following 18 months of hard work, from carrying out daily litter picks and recycling paper and ink cartridges to creating a sofa out of plastic bottles, the school has an impressive new award – but nowhere to display it.

The school, in Horden, has launched an appeal to raise £1,000 for a flagpole and one parent has even pledged to sell her child's old toys to raise money for the mast.

Cotsford's eco-schools co-ordinator, Alison White, said: "Everyone at the school is thrilled that we've achieved our Green Flag.

"Although we would love to see the flag flying, they will have to wait until we raise £1,000 for a pole."

School secretary Christine Kincade said: "The planning department at Durham County Council looked into it on our behalf and said it would cost around £1,000 including advertising consent and a survey.

"Most children pay a weekly 20p contribution to school funds, but it will take a long time and a lot of 20 pences to raise £1,000."

The school's hard work in the bid to get the Green Flag included having its own gardening club, and wildlife area and making recycled gift bags, ornamental butterflies and bird boxes.

Durham County Council's Pride in Easington officer Helen Douglas, said: "The pupils have done an awful lot of environmental work and really deserve the reward of achieving the Green Flag."

Anyone wishing to help raise money for a mast can contact the school on (0191) 5864660.