A NEW woodland is being created in the grounds of a Bishop Auckland school.

St Andrew’s Primary School was donated 200 trees and shrubs by OVO Energy to help transform part of its field.

Headteacher Nicola James enlisted volunteers from Bishop Auckland Rotary Club to help pupils from years five and six and parents plant the trees and ensure they are secure and protected from the elements.

Rotary club members spoke to the children about the plants and why they were planting them.

Mrs James said: “The children realised that these trees will grow for many years to come and will be enjoyed by pupils at our school in the future and that they had, therefore, planted a little bit of history for generations to come.

“In the afternoon the heavens opened but the children and volunteers were not put off. They were determined to finish the job even in the pouring rain, showing true resilience, a quality we encourage in our children everyday.”