SCHOOLS across North Yorkshire are taking part in an initiative designed to improve their grounds for the benefit of youngsters.

Greener Grounds is a Learning Through Landscapes scheme (LTL), which has been designed to promote the important environmental message of sustainable development.

Among those taking part is St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough, where the Parents' Association is the organiser.

It has held several community events, where teams of volunteers have improved the school grounds using recycled materials.

Old paint, tyres, flagstones, wood and the use of a mechanical digger have been donated to create new playing areas with a wooden raft, outdoor chalkboard and murals, designed by pupils.

Sue Almond, of the Parents' Association, said: "With the support of LTL, through the Greener Grounds project, we have been greatly encouraged by the improvements to our school grounds so far.

"We have realised that with motivated parents using recycled materials we can achieve a lot on our own."

LTL is a national charity which, in partnership with the North Yorkshire County Council, landfill operators Yorventure and its environmental trust Yorwaste, has won Government funding for projects in the county.

It works to transform school grounds for educational, recreational, artistic and social activities, for the benefit of the schools, their pupils and the community.

The LTL officer for North Yorkshire, Neil Jameson, said: "Greener Grounds offers schools in the region advice, information, support and a small amount of funding to implement long-term projects that have a sustainable development message.

"Through these projects, we hope school communities will gain a greater understanding of environmental issues, and how they can influence the kind of environment future generations will inherit from us.