PUPILS at a school in Yate have gone environmental in a bid to become eco-friendly.

Youngsters at Raysfield Junior School have helped to create a courtyard garden complete with bird boxes, wildlife pond and planting areas.

Members of the school’s own eco group came up with the idea for the garden as a way of improving their local environment and getting closer to nature.

Headteacher Jon Bird said: "I am so pleased to see a seed thought from the children’s eco schools group grow into such an attractive area for science and understanding the natural world."

The courtyard has been kitted out with web cameras so pupils can keep an eye on the wildlife which uses the new garden and a mural has been designed by pupils and parents to decorate the area.

The project is part of the school’s bid to achieve Eco School status and has been funded by grants from South Gloucestershire Council and Dodington Parish Council.

Added Mr Bird: "Both in school and in their community, pupils are making a really positive difference to their environment.

"There is a lot of bad press about children and young people and it is really encouraging to see children playing such a positive role."

Pupils in Year 6 also helped members of Dodington Parish Council in the annual spring clean, which saw councillors and 20 youngsters tidy up the car park at the Tern Inn, on Heron Way.