STUDENTS from a Wear Valley school are transforming an overgrown allotment into an outdoor classroom thanks to a £13,000 grant.

Around 15 pupils of Parkside Comprehensive School in Willington, are developing a plot at nearby Rosedale and Victoria allotment gardens.

The site will give pupils first hand experience of growing organic vegetables and they hope to invite younger children from the town's primary schools to contribute to the development and share their new knowledge.

The group applied to the Millennium Fund for financial assistance and were awarded £13,660 to landscape the garden, create raised beds and lay paths.

Several pupils are also working with students at Bishop Auckland College in Bishop Auckland, to make garden furniture for the site.

Teacher John Hattle said: "This is a great project for the pupils of Parkside as there are many skills involved, such as planning, applying for the grant, construction and gardening.

"And young children from local primary schools will also learn how to cultivate and look after organic and healthy vegetables."

The scheme is also backed by Neighbourhood Watch, Groundwork, the Allotment Association and Shildon and Darlington Training.