ONE of the most exciting school initiatives of Streets Ahead this year was our eco-makeover competition.

The Evening Times teamed up with British Gas to offer one lucky school the chance to win £135,000.

St Albert's Primary in Pollokshields impressed the judges with its dedication to eco-friendly measures and Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, visited to give them the good news.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Initiatives like the Evening Times Streets Ahead campaign are hugely important and make a massive difference in local communities.

"By educating young children about the benefits of energy efficiency, they take what they learn out into the wider community.

"The children at St Albert's are fantastic and it's great to see such enthusiasm.

"They have worked very hard already and winning the competition will really boost their efforts."

The hard-working eco committee gave Ms Sturgeon a tour of the school to show her some of the environmentally friendly measures they have already introduced, including a greenhouse made of recycled plastic bottles and a fantastic indoor eco garden full of plantpots made from unusual objects.

The school also organises regular events, such as a Cans Film Festival (entry is only allowed if you crush a can to buy a ticket) and local litter-picks.

St Albert's was chosen from dozens of entries in the competition to benefit from energy efficiency measures of up to £135,000, which could include solar panels, new room thermostats and a more efficient boiler.

In the East End of the city, pupils at Sunnyside Primary were so worried about the effects of litter on birds and animals living in nearby Cardowan Moss, they decided to tackle the problem, Streets-Ahead style.

The small school in Craigend has adopted the Moss and carries out regular clean-ups with parents and members of the local community.

Head teacher Mairi Kennedy explained: "The Moss was very untidy and overgrown, full of crisp packets and junk, so the children decided to do something about it.

"They worked hard to get the community and parents involved, even writing to the Evening Times to drum up support, and it was a great event.

"Clean Glasgow provided us with litter pickers and hi-vis vests and took away the big bags of litter we collected.

"We also have links with the Community Action Team and park rangers, who help us."