Green boiler for village school

Published on 1st November 2007 in News

Parents, local dignitaries and a television crew packed into a rural school to see a facility which has put them at the cutting edge of green technology.

Luddington and Garthorpe Primary School has had its old, oil-burning boiler replaced by an environmentally friendly wood-burning model.

It was officially commissioned by Ian Cawsey, MP for Goole and Brigg, at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Head teacher Lesley Slack told the visitors: "This is a very important occasion for our little school and a tremendous chance for our village.

"The children are very excited about it - and they are the people who have to take up the torch and save the planet."

The pupils gave a presentation on how the boiler came to be at their school and read a poem they had written, called Our Dragon.

Local farmer John Knapton, of Luddington, is to supply the fuel for the boiler - sustainable willow - and willow trees will also be planted in the school grounds.

Mr Cawsey, the guest of honour charged with 'cutting' the ribbon of the boiler, said: "Here in Luddington, you're at the cutting edge. You've got the poshest boiler in Britain!"

He also unveiled a plaque which commended the school for their "significant contribution made in promoting the use of sustainable energy".

The project has been run by the Humber Rural Pathfinder Project, a Government backed programme run by local authorities and key partners in the voluntary and private sectors.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council will lead the project and act as the accountable body.

Tony Holmes, chief executive of Renewable Energy Growers, who have worked on the project, attended the ceremony and was presented with a portfolio of the children's work on the boiler.

"It's a pleasure to see the children and the work they've done," he told the assembly. "I hope the boiler will give you years of warmth and fun."