A SCHOOL has received funding from a shopping centre to spend on wildlife gardens.

St Patrick's Comprehensive School, in Thornaby, received £250 from Wellington Square Shopping Centre to buy two benches for the gardens.

The gardens were created in the school's grounds by the St Patrick's Comprehensive School Parent and Teacher Friend Association (PTFA).

It is hoped the gardens will be an educational resource as well as encouraging young people to take more responsibility for learning, their health and the environment.

Wellington Square manager Rob Gildersleeve said: "I am delighted we are able to help fund such a rewarding initiative.

"There is an obvious need in the town for the growth and development of wildlife and tranquillity, and the gardens provide the perfect place to do this, as well as allowing somewhere for busy people to take a step back from the rush and relax."

As well as the benches, the gardens also contain a rock garden, paving, a greenhouse, workstations, flower gardens and a wildlife area.

PTFA vice-chairwoman Kathleen Warwick said: "I would like to thank Wellington Square for its kind generosity, which has enabled us to purchase two outdoor benches for our recently created wildlife and memorial garden.

"To get the garden initiative to work and to ensure its ongoing success, we rely heavily on the support of the local business community and are very grateful for the support we have been given by the centre."