PRIMARY school pupils have been taking part in a recycling project by growing plants in industrial waste and by-products.

The youngsters used recycled plastic containers along with slag from Corus, Redcar and ash, from the Energy from Waste plant, Haverton Hill, to grow a species of brassica - specifically bred for classroom experiments.

The project is funded by Biffaward, a multi-million pound fund set up by Biffa Waste Services and with support from Stockton Borough Council and Fine Organics.

The aim is to highlight how wildflower meadows are a disappearing habitat, which provide homes for rare plants and food source for many insects. By using waste materials as a growing medium, less peat is required and less waste is sent to landfill.

Schools involved in the project are Ings Farm in Redcar, Berwick Hills in Middlesbrough, Hardwick Primary and The Oak Tree Primary in Stockton and Ward Jackson and Golden Flatts, Hartlepool.

They have all be involved in the project's next stage - creation of wildflower meadows.