GREEN-fingered children at a Plaistow primary school are doing their bit for the environment.

New City pupils are growing their own plants and vegetables as part of the school’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Speaking for children at New City’s environmental group, Tilly Martin, 10, said: “At New City we have created lots of different spaces to help our environment.

“We are also working hard on getting everyone to save electricity – we are always nagging the teachers to turn the lights out when they leave the classroom!”

New City recently gained a Green Flag Government Award for environmental sustainability.

Children at the school in New City Road grow their own food in their garden, which also includes a pond, bird feeders and bat box.

Pupils and staff help reduce their energy consumption by recycling, turning down radiators and through their cycling programme.

The bike scheme features riding lessons, after-school clubs and on-road training and maintenance tips.

Word of New City’s pioneering eco work has spread as far as Japan.

A group of education leaders from the country recently paid a visit to the school to see its green initiatives.