by Emma Grove

An eco-school now has its own wind turbine which will help power some of the classrooms.
Eastchurch Primary School opened a 15m wind turbine, which will generate up to half of the school’s electricity needs, on Monday.
The school, which was the first in Kent to receive eco status, also has 26 solar panels, low-energy lighting, solar thermal collectors and wildlife areas.
Because the school is on high ground a mile from the sea in a windy spot, sea breezes are expected to make the turbine generate 8,000 units of electricity a year and save 4.5 tons of carbon dioxide.
A live information system inside the school will show pupils how much electricity is being generated. Head teacher Pauline Shipley said: “It’s such a fantastic achievement and our new wind turbine will be an iconic symbol on the Isle of Sheppey.
“We have pockets of deprivation on the Island and improvements like this show what can be done in an area like ours.
“We are stunned to have come this far because we never thought we would.
“It is second nature to our pupils to help the planet.
“We hope our wind turbine will encourage environmental debate and that other schools will visit us to consider wind power.”
Mrs Shipley also thanked John Stanford, governor for the environment, former deputy head teacher Paula Owens and the funders for making the project possible.