AN overgrown school courtyard in north Durham has been given a new lease of life after a group of students transformed the area.

Flower beds, benches, a pond and a rabbit enclosure have been installed at Consett Academy by 22 students who have been working on the project since September.

The idea was first thought up by Principal Kevin Reynolds and alternative curriculum coordinator Sharon Hopkins, as a way of helping students build their confidence and develop new skills.

Paul Beadle, of the County Durham Woodland Education Service, was brought in to co-ordinate the scheme and started by taking students on a trip to nearby woodland to select the materials needed for the garden’s benches and fencing.

Students then worked together to design the garden’s layout and construct new willow-weave fencing, creating a safe new enclosure for the academy’s three rabbits.

The students were supported in their work by staff from the Foundation of Light, which has been working with the academy for over a year, running a personal development course which tackles issues such as drugs and alcohol misuse, as well as confidence building.

The official opening of the revamped quadrant was recently carried out by Geraldine Wilcox, chief executive of Derwentside Homes, which donated £1,000 towards the project.

Mr Reynolds said: “The best part about the whole project has been seeing the sense of achievement on the students’ faces.”

The next phase of the project will involve creating raised beds in which vegetables and flowers will be planted, as well as introducing fish into the existing pond.

The third and final phase will see students working with local primary schools to share what they have learnt during the project.