YOUNGSTERS are hoping to learn about the wonders of wildlife with a new environmental area at their school. Children from Lowerhouse Junior School in Liverpool Road, Burnley, have transformed an area of the school grounds with plants.

The aim is to provide a habitat for wildlife, which can be used for lessons, and to improve the general appearance of the grounds.

Teacher Ann Clough said: "We had a derelict pond that was cracked and would not hold any water. Lots of rubbish had accumulated in it.

"We filled it in because the school is quite open and people can get into the grounds when it is unoccupied so we thought it would be safer.

"We put some plants in, some of which we have grown from seed, and it definitely looks a lot better now."

There are plans to add seating to the environmental area and put in plants which will attract butterflies.

The school's environmental club, which meets every week, has played an important role in the project.

The improvements were funded by a £75 grant from Yorkshire Bank and parents also contributed plants.

The school has entered the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch Awards, which reward all kinds of green projects.

There are categories for schools, community groups, local authorities, businesses and individuals.

For full details of how to enter ring the Grimewatch line on 01254 678678 ext 244 and leave your name and address.

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