YOUNGSTERS at a Hartlepool school have helped create an unusual environmental feature in their school grounds.

Pupils from Greatham Primary School worked with staff from Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool scheme to create a living willow tunnel.

The willow was planted, and will be woven to form a tunnel.

A donation of £750 was given by Pride in Hartlepool.

Keeley Metcalfe, the council's community environmental action officer, said: "The feature will enhance the school grounds and create a natural play resource.

"Children right through from the nursery and reception class up to year six got involved in the project. All of the children showed a lot of enthusiasm, and it was a pleasure to work with them.

"I will also be working with them in the spring to create a bog garden, and that will create another interesting wild-life habitat in the school's grounds."