A college dating back to 1527 has been recognised nationally for its vision of becoming carbon neutral.

Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, is the first college of its kind in the UK to win the Ashden School Award.

The award recognises educational institutions for reducing their carbon footprints and inspiring young people to embrace energy-saving techniques.

Former graduate and winner of the BBC's The Voice, Jermain Jackman, presented the award and £5,000 prize fund to principal Paolo Ramella at the ceremony on Thursday.

Over the last few years the college has set out numerous ways of reducing its carbon footprint through the construction of an eco gym, solar panels, condense boilers and switching to low-energy LED lighting.