A WEYMOUTH school has been given £400 to help out green-fingered gardeners.

Radipole Primary School was awarded the Wessex Water Watermark Award, which will enable them to buy a polytunnel for their garden. This means they can extend the growing period in the garden and allow the students access to the gardens whatever the weather.

Simon Burdett, from Wessex Water, visited the school to present the check to students. The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area.

Over the last three years the school has been developing their grounds with the aim of giving children more contact with, and understanding of, their local environment. They have dug deep to set up two allotment beds and have learnt to grow from seed a good variety of vegetables.

The school’s gardening club has some very enthusiastic members involved.

Veronique Singer, the school’s head teacher said: “Gardening and even digging has a huge impact on the children’s learning.

“Without even realising it they are learning just by reading a packet of seeds and working out the planting spaces.”

She added: “Having this polytunnel will make all the difference because they will be able to work on planting and potting even when it is wet and cold.”