A STOURPORT primary school has been given £5,000 to develop a community garden including equipment, plants and raised beds.

Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group provided the school with the money to help pupils learn outside the classroom.

The school began to develop its Alternative Curriculum Education (ACE) 18 months ago, with initial projects including designing and building an allotment with raised beds, a potting shed and a greenhouse made from recycled plastic bottles.

These activities supported a range of subjects including maths, literacy and science as well as encouraging the development of social and life skills.

ACE is delivered by two teaching assistants, Mick Lees and Pam Houghton, and is overseen by teacher Helen Watkins.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "Gardening in schools is great for children, helping them develop academic, practical and social skills.

"It’s also great for adults, sharing the excitement of growing plants, spreading the word about healthy, home-grown fruit and veg, and bringing relatives and friends into the school.

"Gardening is an activity everyone can enjoy, and is a brilliant opportunity to bring all sectors of the community together. It’s also a chance for children to show what they can do and for adults to give valuable, practical help to benefit the school as a whole."