ASPIRING young architects who helped design their new primary school have been sharing in its success after scooping an Abercrombie Design Award.

High View School, Torridge Way, which opened its doors at the end of February, was judged 'Best Sustainable Development' and was highly commended in the 'Best New Building' category at this year's awards.

To celebrate the achievement, designers of the £8.6 million development from Plymouth-based Architects Design Group (ADG) visited the school to thank some of the pupils who had been involved in its design.

ADG project architect, Jez Lavers said: "We were delighted when High View won an Abercrombie Award, so this was an opportunity for everyone to go to the school and celebrate.

"During the design process we involved children through a 'design pod' to get their input and feedback as the designs evolved, so this award is as much theirs as it is ours."

Proud headteacher, Kim Dorian Kemp expressed her gratitude that the children were able to have such an impact on the school's design.

She said: "It was wonderful for High View's 'design pod' of children to stand shoulder to shoulder with ADG and get to hold the award.

"It has been an empowering experience for our children and I do believe we have some budding architects in our midst."

Contractor Interserve Project Services Limited was chosen by Plymouth City Council to head the school's development as a replacement for Highfield and Plym View primary schools.

Interserve contracts manager, John Beer said: "We're very proud of High View so it was great to return to the school and share the award with the children and the rest of the project team."

Initiators of the redevelopment project, Plymouth City Council were also delighted by the recognition of the school.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Sam Leaves, said: "We set out to put schools and children at the heart of the community and its great to see this school winning accolades as the children were so involved in the design process."