An Accrington school is celebrating after scooping a £100,000 prize.

Pupils from St Christopher’s CE High School have been crowned champions in the British Gas Generation Green competition.

They were declared winners at an action-packed final held at the Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester, where they carried out an energy-inspired dance in front of Diversity stars, Jordan and Perri.

The children, aged between 12 and 13, headed off tough competition from pupils at Wellfield High School, after being awarded the highest number of points for their performance and the energy created when they danced on a special power-generating dance mat called Pavegen.

The school is now set to be transformed with the latest energy-saving technology, such as solar panels, LED lighting and a new energy efficient boiler. The makeover could save the school up to £7,000 a year on their fuel bills.

In addition to the makeovers, Jordan and Perri have kindly invited both secondary schools to London for a dance masterclass later this year.

Picture © Jason Lock Photography

The school was invited to the final after pupils submitted designs for an energy-saving school of the future.

Wendy Litherland, teacher at St Christopher’s CE High School, said: “We’re thrilled to have been named the winner of British Gas’ Generation Competition. The children worked really hard on their designs for an eco-school of the future and the dance routine, and it’s great their efforts paid off in such a spectacular way. The makeover will transform our school, helping us to save energy every day and will inspire our pupils now and in the future about being green.”

Pupil Emma Bamber, aged 13, said: “The teachers and pupils have all worked so hard and it’s so amazing to have actually won. We have been fundraising to become greener so this will mean absolutely loads to the school. And it was such an incredible experience dancing in front of Jordan and Perri!”

Brian Jackson, British Gas Regional Director for the North West, said: “We’re delighted for St Christopher’s CE High School after their incredible performance. The pupils have captured the spirit of Generation Green with their creative dance routine and imaginative ideas for an eco-school, and are now budding energy innovators for the future.”