GROWING vegetables and getting close to nature are helping to raise standards at a successful south Durham primary school.

Witton-le-Wear Primary School celebrated its best ever Sats ratings this year when it was ranked 123rd in the country with some stunning results.

Head teacher Mark Stephenson and his team don’t believe that the school’s 88 pupils should sit at their desks all day but like to give them a wide range of experiences to make learning fun.

The school has its own wildlife garden and now shares an allotment with village residents.

Mr Stephenson said: "Primary school education should be about the wider individual.

"Giving them a wide range of experiences gives them self confidence and this has an impact on their academic success.

"We like them to enjoy their time with us and be happy and involved.

"We started the gardening club as an after-school activity but now we are taking all the classes down.

"They really love it. It keeps them active and healthy and that helps with their all round success."