An overgrown school wildlife garden that had weeds taller than its pupils has been transformed, thanks to the efforts of local high school students.

Ten months ago, schoolchildren at All Saints School in Winfarthing could not access the outdoor area after it had turned into a jungle of weeds.

The wildlife garden at the primary school has been remodelled into a potential haven for a host of wild animals after receiving a Ground Force-style make-over.

Around 11 students from Diss High School have spent two hours a week since September designing, clearing and pruning, and relining the pond as part of their Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (COPE) course.

The high school pupils, who were challenged to work on an environmental project to help the local community, completed their project yesterday.

Paula McQue, eco-officer at the primary school, said the new look wildlife garden will be well used by the children after their previous quiet area was built on as part of a school extension project.

'It will make quite a lot of difference. We will treat it as an outdoor classroom and we hope that we will get some nice wildlife for them to observe. They [the high school students] should be proud of their achievement,' she said.

Sarah Ryder, COPE leader at Diss High, said the project had helped with the students' community and environment awareness as well as building on team work and communication skills.