THIRTY parents and teachers from Crawshawbooth Primary School pulled on their gardening boots and gloves, during the weekend, in an attempt to stop their children returning from school covered in mud.

The group planted 2,000 trees and began drainage work around the school pathways and playgrounds, which often become waterlogged.

Chairman of the PTA Louise Cooper, said: "The school has got quite extensive grounds, but we can't use a lot of it because it is so waterlogged.

"Parents got fed up with the children coming home every day covered in mud, so we decided that there were enough parents with technical abilities to sort it out ourselves. We have planted a traditional English hedgerow, of hawthorn and dog rose, and if the drainage works we are going to plant some more shrubs and trees.

"They will provide some shelter for the children and somewhere for them to sit during their breaks and at lunch time, instead of some muddy kerb."

The work has already cost more than £1,000, but the school has a £3,500 budget for the landscaping project, which was raised by the PTA during the last 12 months.

Louise said: "We can't tackle the main part of the grounds near the football pitch, but we are looking to landscape some of the grassy areas.

"We are very grateful for the help we have received from local businesses, who donated a JCB and dumper for the day, gave us free lining membrane and all the materials we needed."

Pictured ready for work are (from left) Louise Cooper, Simon Bradshaw, Jill Mycock and Karen McKee, with other members.

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