IT is officially the leanest, greenest secondary school in Oxford - and pupils have been enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Oxford Community School, in Glanville Road, East Oxford, has been officially presented with its Green Flag Eco-School award for its work in making it the most environmentally-friendly secondary school in the county.

The award acknowledges the efforts which pupils and staff have been making - and continue to make - to ensure the school is run in as green a way as possible.

Projects have included litter and recycling campaigns through to abiding by eco-codes, growing organic vegetables and reducing the school carbon emissions.

And what makes the achievement all the more impressive is that a large number of the projects have been led by pupils on the school's student forum.

Sixth former Chris Bateman, the school's eco co-ordinator, was one of the students heavily involved.

He said: "It has been all about getting pupils involved in learning about and looking after the environment. For the school to be the leading eco-school in the county is fantastic. It shows just how hard we have been working to achieve this."

People from all over Oxfordshire gathered to celebrate the school's achievement at a special awards ceremony.

There are 22 Green Flag schools in Oxfordshire. The other 21 are all primary schools.

Chris Chapman, chairman of the school's student forum, said: "To be the first secondary school to achieve this is a big deal for us.

"There are so many things we have got involved in - from school travel plans to working with David Cameron on reducing our carbon emissions.

"There has been a lot of hard graft."

One project the forum has introduced is giving every pupil an eco-pack when they start at the school.

This includes a cycle map of Oxford to encourage cycling, city-wide bus routes and information on recycling.

Work has also been focused on improving green areas within the school grounds, including turning once-overgrown areas into gardens packed with daffodils, roses, wildlife areas, ponds and trees.

Jonathan Tease, a Year Nine pupil, said: "All of these projects are really important and help us to help the environment."

Tomos Davies, also in Year Nine, said: "It is all about raising awareness and starting good habits."

Headteacher Steve Lunt said: "I am proud of the fact so much of the work in achieving this award has been done by the students."