PUPILS will be able to enjoy sunshine while they study after they helped create an open-air classroom.

Children at Moor End County Primary School, White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle, tried to make the area an attractive place to work by planting seeds, clearing up rubbish and pulling out weeds.

Teacher Paula Haggerty said: "We wanted to make our outdoor classroom an attractive place to work. The project aimed to help the children understand how hard work and effort can produce beautiful things. It also helped them learn more about plants and wildlife, and take pride in their environment."

Funding for the open-air classroom was raised by parents' group Friends At Moor End (FAME). The children brought in their own seeds and plants for the project.

The school is set to start an after-classes club to maintain the area.

The outdoor classroom project has been entered in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch awards, which reward all kinds of schemes which benefit the environment.

The awards include categories for schools, businesses, community groups, local authorities and individuals.

For full details of how to enter ring the Grimewatch line on 01254 678678 ext 244 or write to the Grimewatch co-ordinator at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn BB1 1HT.

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