A COMMUNITY project to make a woodland classroom for children in north Durham is nearing completion.

Young people have been clearing wasteland and a former allotment site at Greenland Community Primary School in South Moor, near Stanley.

The team from the Princes Trust, based at Consett YMCA, has been working with community volunteer Ronnie Allaker, who has three children at the school.

Acting headteacher Mark Stewart said: “This is something we have always wanted to do but did not have the finances.

“The kids absolutely love it and are really excited about being able to use it when it is completed.”

The project has included the removal of overgrown material, broken glass and waste and the creation of a network of 150m of paths with seven tonnes of bark chippings.

There will also be wild flowers, wooden sculptures and bird nesting boxes with video cameras so children can log on to witness nature online.

Mr Allaker, father to Katelynn, ten, Ronnie, eight and Lewis, six, said: “I am grateful for the help from the Prince Trust team. They have achieved a lot.

“It is for the children to learn about how to enjoy nature fully and learn about the plants they can find in the wild as well as the insects in the area.”