Catherine Junior is one of 13 schools in Leicester which have just been recommended for EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) accreditation.

Pupils and teachers had to show how they are managing their school's environmental impacts for the project, managed by Environ.

This scheme, funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, supports Leicester City Council's drive to make all of its services EMAS accredited.

As part of the project, Environ helped Catherine Junior School to raise the funds to repair its Millennium Pond, which was destroyed by vandals in September 2001.

EMAS Co-ordinator Charlie Lewis said: "Nearly 150 pupils joined the school's pond club, so they were very upset when the vandals struck.

"But they are delighted now their pond has been repaired, as part of their work with EMAS, and will be adding the plants and flowers to attract even more wildlife."

The pupils' pond has been transformed during the two years of the EMAS project - thanks to a £1,300 grant from the NRF Capital Fund.

This grant paid for a new pond lining (NOT THIS JUST THE OTHER THINGS), a metal fence, pond plants, a loggery and compost bins AND A NEW HEDGE.

Teacher Katherine Burns said: “Our pupils have really looked forward to the pond being back in action - they are especially excited about the frogs coming back!

"They have worked very hard on this project and all of the other EMAS activities, so I'm very pleased we have been recommended for accreditation.

"As well as improving the school, it has been great to see some of the children trying to be more environmentally friendly at home to by recycling and composting."

Abbey Primary; Beaumont Lodge Primary; Eyres Monsell Primary; Marriott Primary; Mowmacre Hill Primary; Rowlatts Hill Primary; Rushey Mead Primary; Sacred Heart Catholic Primary; Shenton Primary; Woodstock Primary; Braunstone Frith Junior; Bridge Junior School and Catherine Junior are the other schools recommended.

Environ will be able to extend its EMAS project to 26 more schools in Leicester if a further bid to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund proves successful.

EMAS encourages pupils and teachers to reduce their school's environmental impact by saving energy, conserving water, reducing waste, recycling and protecting wildlife.

Any schools interested in taking part in EMAS in future should call Charlie Lewis on 0116 222 1596.

A photo opportunity of pupils at Catherine Junior School, Brandon Street, will be held on Thursday, March 18 at 12.30pm. Call Sarah Tyrrell on 0116 222 0254.