FORGET the Seven Wonders of the World, pupils at Christ Church Ainsworth Primary School have their own eight-legged marvel!

They built a huge willow spider in the grounds of the Tommy Lane school and when it comes into leaf in the spring, they will use it as a unique outdoor classroom.

"It's all part of our project to make environmental improvements to the school," said headteacher Mr David Gerrard.

With help from Eco Arts, an organisation that visits schools to spread the "green" message, every pupil helped to build the mighty arachnid.

"We wanted an outdoor classroom and this is what the children came up with. It took a week to complete, with the children digging holes and planting willow, and in the spring, we should be able to start using it as an extra classroom," Mr Gerrard explained.

It is the latest example of the school's environmental enthusiasm. It already has an after-school environmental club and has established a nature trail and installed bench seating and picnic tables. The next projects will be new flower beds and landscaping.