A church in High Heaton has become the 100th church in England and Wales to receive a gold Eco Church award.
St Francis Church received the award from Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK.
The award aims to recognise churches committed to environmental action and sustainability, and marks a milestone in the Diocese of Newcastle, as St Francis is the first church in the diocese to receive the gold-level accreditation.
Helen Stephens, church relations manager at A Rocha UK, said: "Our huge congratulations to St Francis, High Heaton, on their gold award.
"The climate and nature crises are profoundly unjust, with the most devastating impacts affecting the poor and vulnerable who have done the least to cause the crisis.
"We worship a God who loves the earth he created and calls us to care for it.
"We wish St Francis all the best as they celebrate their award and look forward to them influencing and supporting other churches striving to care for God’s earth."
St Francis Church first registered as an Eco Church in 2016, achieving bronze in 2017 and silver in 2020 before reaching gold in 2024.
Reverend Robert Lawrance, vicar at St Francis Church, said: "We are thrilled to receive the A Rocha UK gold Eco Church award, which will boost us in our goal to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, and so much more.
"We believe that caring for the environment is a key part of our mission, and we are keen to continue on our green journey.
"With teamwork and a bit of effort, anyone can get started with Eco Church."
The church has taken a range of steps to reduce its environmental impact.
These include sharing eco tips and weather information on its website, and making efforts to lower heating costs in its uninsulated 1953 building.
It has also transformed a neglected area of land into a 'pollinator friendly' Sanctuary garden.
The volunteer assessor said: "St Francis is the furthest north gold-awarded Eco Church—and will be a beacon in this part of the country.
"They have been pursuing the environmental agenda for many years and demonstrate a passion for campaigning on environmental issues locally and nationally, and have embedded creation care in every aspect of church life."
The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle said: "It’s a wonderful achievement by St Francis Church in reaching gold Eco Church status and I congratulate all involved in this remarkable accolade.
"I have no doubt that this will inspire our other churches – many of whom are already on their own impressive eco journeys.
"It underlines a strong determination across our diocese to strive for net carbon zero and an unwavering commitment to look after God’s wonderous creation."
More than 8,500 churches are currently registered in the Eco Church Scheme, representing around 20 per cent of churches in England and Wales.
The charity aims to engage at least 20,000 churches, approximately 50 per cent, by 2030.
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