PUPILS at Willowdown Academy held a treeplanting ceremony recently with help from EDF workers.

Volunteers from the energy company visited the academy in Kings Drive to help plant 25 apple trees as the school looks to develop its outdoor area.

Nick Riddiough, Willowdown principal, said: “The Academy is an integral part of the community and this represents the start of our exciting plans to develop the grounds for the benefit of our children’s learning, development and enjoyment.

“We welcome offers of help from families and volunteers and are especially grateful to the team from EDF for giving up their time to assist us today.”

Willowdown received the saplings from Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield during their annual sapling giveaway.

Andrew Pitman, store manager at the garden centre, said: “Our sapling giveaway has once again been hugely successful and we had lots of people come forwards for the free trees.

“It’s extremely interesting to read all about the different gardening projects going on, especially in schools, as it is so important to get youngsters into gardening.

“We’re delighted to have helped Willowdown Primary Academy with its new outdoor area.”