PUPILS and staff at Wellesley Park Primary School in Wellington were thrilled when a building supplies firm stepped in to help with a donation of bark to make the area around their pond safe.

The wildlife haven at the school had become very run down and the walkway around the pond was bare with lots of weeds and roots causing a tripping hazard for pupils, so was out of bounds.

Volunteer mums at the school stripped the area back and laid new liner but had no funds for bark.

They were delighted when Anthony Hamblett, manager of the local branch of Travis Perkins, stepped in to help by donating and delivering enough bark to make the area safe again.

Pupils can now enjoy the pond, which is teeming with frogs and newts, and the school’s Eco Club has been busy decorating the area with bug hotels and frog-friendly spaces.