QUEEN Elizabeth High School in Bromyard could soon be wind-powered if money is found to install an eco-friendly wind turbine.

The school already has planning permission for the turbine and has now been awarded a £5,000 grant towards its purchase from the Co-operative fund.

Though the school needs to raise a further £17-£18,000 to fund the facility, its citizenship co-ordinator Sue Taylor said she was delighted with the grant.

"We've got a long way to go yet, but this is the first step along the way.

"We're very grateful for it."

She said looking after the environment and cutting the school's carbon footprint was a major priority for teachers, staff and parents.

"All the kids have worked really hard for this and are always asking me when they will get the turbine," she added.

"We've got a perfect spot up here on a hill, where its really windy, so we can't wait to get it up and running."

She said the school had a very active eco-committee and is currently applying for green flag Eco Schools status.

"We think its important that the children have a respect for the environment and eco issues."

"We're in the process of developing a sensory garden, with lots of plants to encourage wildlife and there'll be plots for children to grow their own vegetables."

The school is appealing to anyone who can help sponsor the wind turbine project, or make a donation towards it.

Sue Taylor can be reached during the school holidays on staylor@queenelizabeth.hereford.sch.uk