TWO Burnley youngsters are getting a taste of the ‘good life’ after taking over a role looking after their school’s chickens.

Fourteen-year-olds Cory Webster and Jake Dobson have given up their time to run the garden at Hameldon Community College, which features five chickens, a vegetable patch, greenhouse, guinea pigs and a rabbit.

Every morning they go in early to feed and water the chickens, clean out their coup and gather the eggs that they lay.

They also do repairs to fencing, as well as gardening, digging and they look after the college’s rabbit in their lunch breaks as well.

The pair, who had to go through a competitive job application to secure the roles, said: “We really enjoy the work and have already made a welcome sign for visitors and researched on web about looking after the chickens and rabbit.”

The school caretaker Colin Mulgrew helped set up the new feature at the Coal Clough Lane superschool and the boys have been in position for the past two weeks.

A further 10 students also help run the project.

School development officer Michael Watson said: “The lads are not scared of doing a bit of work and have so far been very keen and done a great job.

“It is all voluntary but gives them great experience and teaches them a lot of skills as well as the responsibility they gain from the role.”

The school thanked Pets at Home, First Choice Pets Supplies, Sainsburys, Lend Lease and Stanley House veterinary surgery for their support in the venture.