LAYCOCK Primary School pupils went to work to reveal a bench hidden by vegetation on the outskirts of the village.

A group of 11 year four students spent a morning at the layby next to Hill Clough carrying out environmental activity with Keighley gardener Steve Thorpe, teacher Emma Holt and community development worker Pip Gibson.

Pip said: “Over two hours the children dug, chopped and cleared the old vegetation and also planted some flowers around the bench. The end result has offered a tranquil place for people to sit and admire the countryside views.

“What a great bunch of children, future ‘eco-warriors’ and a joy to work with. We had so much fun! We’re hoping to continue working on the layby with the school and local residents, particularly in the Hill Clough area which overlooks the layby.”

Laycock School head Juliet Nove said the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were proud of their contribution towards keeping the community smart and tidy. She added: “I think it’s important they learn they have a part to play and it looks really lovely now.”

Funding and support for the venture was provided by Keighley town councillor John Kirby via the council’s Ward Improvement fund. He said: “It’s a great start to developing just what the village needs.

“It’s fantastic to see our local schoolchildren working so hard for the benefit of everyone in the village. Many thanks to those adults who contributed too, I’m sure there will be many more people wishing to come forward and continue the work over the summer.”

Local resident Janet Simpson provided drinks for the children, while fellow resident Jeni Gerhardt helped secure a free picnic lunch for them courtesy of the Keighley branch of bakery Greggs.

A Greggs spokesman said: “Greggs are proud to be able to further build on their relationship with Laycock Primary School and their breakfast club by supporting the children to help in their local community.”

Anyone who would like to get involved in environmental improvements in Laycock should email pipgibsoncdw@hotmail.co.uk or call Pip on 07587 210101.