A RETIRED special needs teacher who helped transform a primary school into an eco-school has been named as a finalist in the Green Guardian Awards.

Janet Hurst of Oldstead Road, Downham, has been nominated for the green champion award.

Ms Hurst, aged 60, worked at Stillness Infant School in Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, until last year where she helped staff and pupils improve the recycling rates of the school.

She started growing fruit and vegetables in the school garden and also asked for solar panels to be put onto the roof.

The school has since been awarded the ECO Schools Green Flag for another three years after originally receieving the status four years ago.

Ms Hurst also chairs a conservation group, Friends of Downham Woodland Walk, in Downham.

The nature reserve looked neglected so the group of 12 members now meet on the last Sunday of each month to pull out rubbish from the hedges and clear brambles hanging over the path.

St Mark’s Church in Baudwin Road, North Downham, now recycles more of its waste after Ms Hurst arranged for it to have green recycling bins and notices put up around the hall.

She has also been a recycling champion through a scheme designed to increase recycling amongst residents. Ms Hurst achieved a 12 per cent rise participation in her own road.

Ms Hurst said: “I just hate to see waste. If anything can be re-used in any way then I’m all for it.

"I hate to see the area looking scruffy aswell.

"It’s up to us to encourage children to take pride in their surroundings and take part in conservation schemes.”

The awards ceremony is being held at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Chelsea Harbour on February 26.

This year’s Green Guardian Awards will be a joint affair, combining the environmental efforts of people across south-east and south-west London.