PUPILS at a Hartlepool school are proving how much they care for the environment by launching their own gardening club.

Children at Lynnfield Primary School are giving up some of their lunch breaks to work closely with the Pride in Hartlepool Campaign.

The project officer Andrea Bishop will be dropping in on the school every week to help the youngsters draw up plans for transforming three courtyards within the school.

Headteacher Joy Lowe said: "I approached Andrea because for several years now the school has taken part in a number of initiatives to improve the local environment.

"The courtyards we are looking to transform are generally kept tidy, but we want to make them more attractive and use them for lessons and out-of-school activities. I have been impressed with the response of the pupils who are giving up their own time to take part in the gardening club."

Pride in Hartlepool, run by Hartlepool Borough Council, operates a school education programme. Ms Bishop is keen to work with more of the town's schools. Anyone interested can call (01429) 523793.