WHEN a group of pupils from Darwen Vale High School formed the Blooming Marvellous Environment Group a year ago, their aim was to improve the school environment.

Yesterday their hard work paid off when a Four Seasons Garden they designed and built themselves was officially unveiled by radio garden expert Peter Foley.

The school applied for cash from Learning Through Landscapes, the national school grounds charity funded by Sport England, which enabled the development of a courtyard garden and leisure space.

After much hard work with help from Groundwork Trust and Brian Orrell of East Lancs Contractors, the pupils were able to design and build the garden.

They consulted staff on how the garden could be used in the curriculum and make learning more fun, and all curriculum subjects will have access to the garden.

Science now has a wildlife pond, Food Technology has fresh vegetables and herbs, and the pupils in Art have already created sculptures for the garden.

The willow sculptures were designed and made by a group of year-ten pupils.

Local artist Marjan Wouda spent a day in school demonstrating sculpture techniques and helping individuals produce their own unique works of art.

Carol Davies, Asda community liaison officer, worked with the youngsters and employee Jim Slater was seconded to school each week to support the pupils and develop their knowledge of horticulture.