THESE students were grinning from ear-to-ear after winning a prestigious environmental award.

Damers First School in Poundbury was the overall winner of the Environmental Youth Award (EYA) 2019.

The school won for its whole school approach to environmental education, which impressed the judging panel.

Students were presented with the award at the Royal Bath and West of England Show on May 31.

Chairman of the EYA Committee, Les Davies, said: “This was a unanimous decision among the judges. We were all inspired by the innovation and infectious enthusiasm for the environment that ran right through the school.”

Headteacher at Damers, Catherine Smith, said: “What a moment and an honour to attend the Bath and West Show to receive our award as Dorset winners and then to find out on the day that we had been recognised as the overall winners of such a prestigious award.

“We are so proud of the work that we do across our school and it is always heartening to have this work recognised by others.

“We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming comments from the judging panel.”

The Environmental Youth Award is now in its 23rd year, with the aim of promoting greater awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental matters, by encouraging and recognising the contribution made by young people.