A TEAM of landscape designers with an average age of 11 have been helping a Newton Aycliffe factory plan a conservation area.

Children from Heighington CE Primary School and Rise Carr Primary School, in Darlington, worked with 3M on ideas for gardens, winding paths and indigenous trees.

A third Darlington school, Abbey Junior School, also worked on the scheme and on a project with the chemical company Hydro Polymers, neighbours of 3M on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate.

The pupils presented their designs during an evening for parents and invited guests at Darlington's Blackwell Grange Hotel.

Heighington headteacher Neil Parker said: "The children took a very professional approach to the project and loved every minute of it.

"It was a great boost for them to be able to work so closely with the people from 3M and everyone was highly impressed with the creativity and originality of the designs they presented."

Mike Simpson, of 3M, said it was the third year the company had taken part in a scheme with the schools.

He said: "The pupils worked really hard to devise some excellent ideas and we are delighted they gained so much benefit from the experience."

The pupils presented the company with 20 young trees for the conservation area, which they went along to the Heighington Lane site to help plant.