THE message of environmental awareness was firmly planted in the minds of Redcar children yesterday.

Pupils at the Lakes Primary School planted 300 shrubs and trees, helped by parents, staff and a team from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), which donated £9,500.

It was the fourth step in a project that has already created a wildlife and wildflower garden, playground features, including a low-level amphitheatre, a skipping rink, and a sensory garden.

The project for the community use of the school grounds has been funded by £25,000 from Sport England and £900 from Corus, with much of the work carried out by the Community Service team.

A further planting day will be held in the spring.