BURY schools came up with a range of ideas to prove their commitment to the environment - and collected cash prizes for their efforts.

Springside County Primary School, Bury CE High, Guardian Angels RC Primary and Holcombe Brook County Primary all responded positively to a Bury Friends of the Earth competition designed to promote green issues.

Pupils at Springside in Walmersley worked hard to clear and improve an overgrown pond to encourage wildlife.

A nature area at Guardian Angels on Leigh Lane is badly in need of restoration, partly because of vandalism.

As teacher in charge of the project, Debra O'Boyle said: "Not only will we have our nature area restored but the children will learn that with determination and perseverance we can overcome those who wish to harm the environment."

The wildlife group at Bury CE High School has campaigned for several years over the need to protect endangered animals and has raised money for specific projects in Kenya.

Year 6 pupils at Holcombe Brook County Primary School are organising a "green week" for the end of this month. Children will take part in a range of activities designed to raise environmental awareness.

And at St Mary's RC Primary in Radcliffe a garden has been created and designed. Children will be actively involved in the planning of its future development.

David Archer, Bury Friends of the Earth co-ordinator, said: "Entries for the spring competition show a wide range of projects which reflect the enthusiasm of pupils and teachers.

"We are pleased that so many children in Bury are getting the message that local action is the key to global progress.

"A booklet of ideas will be circulated to all schools and those which responded to our competition will each receive £50 to help develop projects."

The prize money has been donated by the Alan Jons Foundation, a trust set up after the death of local environmental campaigner Alan Jons in 1993.

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