A NEW eco-classroom is to be built at a school in Hyndburn complete with grass roof and powered by a wind turbine.

The new facility, which will be paid for in part by a £25,000 grant, will be built at the new Accrington Academy next to a pond, separate from the main building in Queen’s Road West.

Deputy headteacher Andy O’Brien said the plans were ‘very exciting’ for the school and the building would also be made available for local community groups to use.

Architect Alison Watson, from Sabden-based Class Of Your Own, said the scheme, which is being managed by a group of students, gave pupils a voice in the design and construction of their new school.

The new classroom will be built entirely from sustainable materials.

Mr O’Brien said: “This project has been completely driven by the students and that is what makes it so unique.

“They have drawn designs, worked with the architects and spoken to the planning department.

“They have also been talking to local builders and suppliers to make sure that all materials can be sourced within a 20-mile radius of the school.”

Partners in the scheme, which has received funding from Hyndburn Council, include Barnfield Construction and the Wildlife Trust.

A student company called Roots is leading the scheme led by 14-year-old Kamila Samin.

Mrs Watson said: “The students hope that their design, the first of its kind in Lancashire, can go to planning very soon and they might realise their dream of building their very own classroom in the grounds of the school.

“This is a project built by the community, for the community, and there’s never been a better time to demonstrate the impact young people can have in shaping their future through the very institution where they spend so much of their time.”

Coun Janet Storey said: “The project involves building a new classroom built entirely from sustainable materials which will be used to teach students about the climate, sustainable building and procurement and how to be environmentally responsible.”