YNYSDDU Primary School is the latest organisation to take part in our green competition.

Schools and organisations have the chance to win as much as £750 with the Argus and Swalec, if they can prove they are the greenest in Gwent.

There are two categories - one for groups or organisations and one for schools - and applications must be in the next two weeks.

In their appllication, staff at Ynysddu Primary School said they and pupils have made many steps over the last few years to do their bit.

It started when the school had a water leak. Pupils read the meters and kept a record to show to headteacher Julie Protheroe.

After she saw the amount the school was using, the leak was fixed. The children checked again and found Ynysddu had saved over half the cost of the water for the school.

Since 2006 the school has had its own eco committee, and since then they now grow their own vegtables on Ynysddu allotments. The school has won a grant for a polytunnel from the Assembly, and thanks to a cultivator they also now make their own compost.

Ynysddu buys in organic fertiliser as part of a co-operative, and sells it on to other villagers with a small contribution to the school.

School clerk Chris Ward, who wrote the application, said: “The pupils now realise that food doesn’t start life in a plastic package!”

Acting head Craig George said children at Ynysddu should win because of their hard work and dedication.

“The childred have organised it themselves. It’s all come from them.”


TAKING part in the Argus and Swalec Green Community Awards is easy!

All you have to do is send 300 words explaining what your school or group has done, and why you deserve recognition, before October 29.

First prizes include £500 for the group or organisation category, while the winning school will walk away with £750.

To take part, just send your appliation with the name of your organisation, a contact name and telephone number to david.deans@southwalesargus.co.uk, or write to David Deans, Green Awards, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, NP20 3QN.