Schoolchildren in Oxford joined together to dream of a greener Christmas.

Pupils from West Oxford Primary School, one of the county's 176 eco-schools, gathered at a green Christmas tree at County Hall in Oxford to share ideas about how to enjoy a more environmentally friendly festive season.

Julie St Claire Hoare, headteacher of the school in Ferry Hinksey Road, and pupils joined council leader Keith Mitchell to discuss ways of cutting down on waste and saving electricity.

The school - which was awarded 'eco' status by the charity Foundation for Environmental Education, for its commitment to green initiatives - has issued a series of environmentally friendly hints.

Mr Mitchell said: "As a council that strives to be green we are always eager to learn about how to reduce our carbon footprint.

"The work the children at West Oxford Primary School have done will help us celebrate a greener Christmas this year."

Ms St Claire Hoare said: "The best thing about being an eco-school is that by working towards the standard required, we educate young people about energy consumption and help them to become adults with a careful and considerate attitude towards the environment.

"The school also saves money and uses resources more efficiently at the same time.

"I know the council is also working hard to reduce its carbon footprint, so let's hope we can persuade more people to have a green Christmas when they see the example we have set."

* Earlier this year Witney MP and Tory leader David Cameron, launched the county council's Future First action plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 18 per cent over the next five years.

WEST Oxford Primary School's recipe for a greener Christmas:

  • Recycle your Christmas cards.
  • Recycle or reuse your Christmas tree.
  • Buy a Christmas tree with roots and replant it.
  • Switch off fairy lights at the plug when you go to bed.
  • Reuse wrapping paper - and help others to do so by not using too much tape.
  • If you have a gift you don't want, keep it in a box and give it to someone who would like it, a charity shop, hospice or hospital.