STUDENTS from a Wear Valley school are transforming an overgrown allotment into an outdoor classroom with the help of a £13,000 grant.

Fifteen pupils of Parkside Comprehensive School, Willington, are developing a plot at the nearby Rosedale and Victoria allotment gardens.

The site will give pupils experience of growing organic vegetables.

They also hope to invite children from the town's primary schools to contribute to the development and share their knowledge.

The group applied to the Millennium Fund for financial assistance and was awarded £13,660 to landscape the garden, create raised beds and lay paths. Several pupils are also working with students at Bishop Auckland College 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 backed by Neighbourhood Watch, Groundwork and the Allotment Association and Shildon and Darlington Training.