Notley Green County Primary, the environmentally-friendly school which promises to 'tread lightly on the earth', has been honoured by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The new school, which opened its doors to its first pupils in September, was selected as a Millennium Product at a ceremony hosted by Mr Blair at the Sky-scape on the Millennium Dome last week.

The £1.4 million school was built as a result of a partnership between Essex County Council and the Design Council.

Among the eco-friendly features at the Panners Farm school are "breathing" walls filled with reused newspaper, underfloor heating and a growing roof planted with sedum for additional insulation and protection from the sun.

The school was built by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in close consultation with planners, teachers, the local community and developers.

Head teacher Fay Trussler said: "The honour is a fitting tribute to everyone who has made a contribution to the design and construction of this building.

"As a head teacher, my main concern is to ensure that our pupils remain aware of the need to be conscious of safeguarding their environment for the rest of their lives."

Essex County Council energy and engineering officer Gordon Powell said: "The project is unusual in that, instead of providing the designers with a brief, we asked them to come up with ideas for sustainability.

"They included an architect, educational expert, engineer, landscape designer and artist.

"The school is a fine example of what can be achieved through partnerships, and the Millennium Product selection is justification of this.

"We are very proud to have been acknowledged in this way."

Design Council chief executive Andrew Summers said: "I am delighted that Notley Green County Primary School has been chosen as a Millennium Product and is going to form part of our collection of the most innovative products and services created in Britain for the new millennium."

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