A school in Abingdon was "delighted" when one of its head pupils was shortlisted for an award at the Oxford Climate Awards. 

Sarika Biradar, a student at Thameside Primary School, was the youngest one of just four finalists for the Oxford Mail Youth Climate Action Champion Award.

She was recognised for her responsible approach to supporting the environment and pro-active work to support climate action, both in school and in the local community.

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Ms Biradar and her family attended the Awards Gala Dinner at Oxford Town Hall on October 17, where Sarika was presented with her certificate.

Speaking after the event, her mum, Mrs Santosh Kumar Biradar said: “It was an inspiring night for Sarika.

"We are honoured that she was nominated and really grateful to the school for putting her name forward”.

Miss Biradar said: "It was a nice surprise - I was the only primary-age pupil in the whole of Oxfordshire to be shortlisted.

"I always say to my friends, do your best, giving up won't help."

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Headteacher Laura Youngman said, "We are so incredibly proud of Sarika, and we are delighted that she has been shortlisted for this prestigious award, particularly as she was the only primary pupil in this category.

"Responsibility is one of our core values at Thameside and in her role as head pupil, she models this every day, including showing visitors round our school as part of our pupil leaders team.

"We are absolutely delighted that Sarika has been recognised for the work that she has done to make a positive difference in her school and the wider community."