Garden makeover by Edge Hill volunteers

Kind-hearted volunteers have given a school garden a special makeover as part of Edge Hill University's celebrations for World Environment Day.

A group of volunteers from the Edge Hill Roteract Group, which includes students, together with teams of staff from the University recently spruced up the grounds at the back of The Acorn Centre in Ruff Lane for pupils and staff to benefit from. Take a look at the gallery of images from the day.

The back garden at the school had become overgrown so the team had the area sprayed to remove weeds and the space has been replanted. The two-week project has resulted in a tranquil tree area being created for young people who attend the Acorn Centre to be able to relax during break times.

Hester Turner, the University's Volunteer Co-ordinator, explained: "We were looking to celebrate World Environment Day in order to promote the environment within the local community and Pamela Brandwood, the University's Energy Manager, approached me asking if I knew of an organisation in need and a group of students who could volunteer.

As this year's theme is forests I decided to find a school in the local area that would benefit from tree planting. The Acorn Centre seemed perfect for this project and the Edge Hill Roteract Group of volunteers were more than happy to help, so together with Pam we organised for the project to happen.

"They worked extremely hard and the end result is fantastic because the area is so different, it's more environmentally friendly and really pleasant to spend time in. The pupils and staff are all delighted with their new tree area and I'm sure they will enjoy it for years to come."

To celebrate the completion of the project, an official opening of the new garden took place, performed by Helen Denton, Executive Director, Children and Young People Services from Lancashire County Council.

Rob Jenkins, Acting Deputy Headteacher for the Acorns Centre, said: "The garden will have a significant impact on our pupils, particularly during morning and lunch breaks. Apart from a peaceful area to sit and relax in the pupils will also be able to use the garden as a place to complete school work in the summer months. The school is extremely grateful to Edge Hill University for the time effort and money in turning a piece of waste ground into another 'classroom' or leisure area for our children to enjoy."