CHILDREN at a north Durham special school are donating fruit trees they have grown themselves to help neighbouring primary schools develop their own orchards.

Secondary school pupils at Villa Real School, in Consett, are working with Bishop Ian Ramsey School, Ebchester Primary School and Delves Lane Infant School to revive endangered habitats.

The schools are taking part in the Fruit-fill Schools project and younger children have been taught how to plant and care for the trees.

Villa Real teacher Rachael Richardson said: “The project has really helped strengthen the bonds between our pupils and local primary school children.

“We know from the last three years of developing our orchard that the Fruit-full School project provides a great opportunity for the children to learn about endangered orchard habitats, local fruit varieties and biodiversity, while engaging with the wider community.”