Westminster’s newest weapon against climate change and pollution was unveiled at a school.

A living wall was planted at St Marylebone CofE School to coincide with national Climate Week on Monday (Mar 04).

Westminster Council used funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to install the second green wall - after St Vincent de Paul School, Victoria - to help improve air quality in schools.

The plants help clean the air by absorbing nitrogen dioxide and trap particulate matter, the two major pollutants being targeted by the council’s Air Quality Action Plan.

Schools across Westminster are also working with the council to reduce road traffic emissions by encouraging parents and children to consider walking or taking public transport to school, rather than arriving by car.

Peter Jordan, deputy head at St Marylebone, said: “This green wall is not only an attractive addition to the school, it has also proved a talking point for pupils and teachers alike, stimulating discussions about environmental issues in general and the various benefits of cleaner air.”