PRIMARY school youngsters are taking part in a project which aims to encourage them to take care of the environment.

Pupils at Owton Manor Primary School, Hartlepool, are working with artist Phil Bradley to create a tunnel and maze in the school grounds, by weaving together sticks of willow.

The apparently dead sticks, which they are planting in the ground will soon take root and sprout leaves, turning their creation into a living sculpture.

The maze will be an exciting addition to playtimes, and is one of several improvements being carried out at the school.

The work is being funded under the Learning Through Landscapes project run by the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership.

The project encourages children to become involved in schemes to enhance their school grounds and it is hoped this will give them a greater sense of pride in their school and encourage them to take care of the environment.

Headteacher Stephen Bloomfield said: "The children are really enjoying it. It's an excellent way of helping them learn to look after and improve their environment."