A WILDLIFE haven created by high school students has earned a second major award.

Shortly after the project began at Walshaw, Burnley, a pond was created which brought a Lancashire Evening Telegraph Grimewatch award.

Now, three years on, the school has been picked as the best project in the North West during British Telecom's environment week which earned the pupils £1,000.

The after school environment club has transformed overgrown stretches of wasteland into wildlife havens,complete with ponds and a wildflower meadow.

It was the first time the school had entered the green challenge, supported by BT for eight years.

Teacher Barabara Haffner said: "We didn't expect to win anything so to be awarded the top prize was a major achievement.

"The money will be split, half going to create more habitats and maintain those we have established and the other half for ecology equipment such as nets, quadrats and identification keys for use in National Curriculum work.

"The club meets after school, usually once a week, and between three and 12 members attend.

"But we always get a lot of volunteers when we undertake a major project."

Alan Roberts, BT's external relations manager for Lancashire, said: "The response this year to BT environment week was tremendous so the Walshaw pupils have done exceptionally well to win the top prize in the North West."

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