A PRIMARY school has created a living sculpture - thanks to an environmental competition.

Aycliffe Village Primary School has used £500 won in a competition run by 3M to create the sculpture from willow planted in the school grounds.

Green woodworker Jim Beddingfield created the seven-metre circular structure which, it is hoped, will grow into a haven for birdlife, with its centre used as a reading area for pupils.

Mike Simpson, community relations manager at organiser 3M, of Aycliffe, which makes respiratory protection products, congratulated the school on putting its prize to such good use.

"Once the willow starts growing in the spring, it will become a wonderful addition to the school grounds and I am sure the children will get great enjoyment from it," he said.

Headteacher Jed Gargan said: "We're delighted with the structure and are very grateful to 3M for providing us with the opportunity to create it.

"We have a number of other long-term plans for the grounds as well and in time would also like to have a sensory garden and perhaps a grassed amphitheatre for outdoor lessons."

Members of the 3M Aycliffe environment team joined in the planting of the willows.