SCHOOL pupils have gone

environ-mental thanks to a grant to help build a multi-purpose outdoor science classroom.

Ronkswood Infants' School, in St Alban's Close, Ronkswood, received more than £3,000 from the Co-op Dividend Fund earlier this year to create an environmental area, complete with plants and trees, and an imaginative play area to let inquisitive children learn more about the physical and natural world.

The school's headteacher, Janet Cope, said the outdoor classroom had made a huge difference to the children, and the veggie garden had yielded some gigantic greens.

"In the courtyard we have had some of the most enormous vegetables - especially a huge marrow, and the biggest carrot I have ever seen.

"The children really enjoy being outside and it's proved to be a quality learning environment so far," she said.

Regional secretary Mark Field said the Fund money was allocated to charities and community groups based on merits like social responsibility and caring for others.

"We are delighted to be making this award to Ronkswood Infant School," he said.