Pupils at Holy Rood Primary School have been planting fruit trees as part of a eco-friendly scheme backed by Watford Council.

The council is working with Veolia, a leading resource management company, Tesco, and community charity Groundwork, aiming to create green spaces in schools by donating free fruit trees and plants.

Holy Rood pupils planted the trees, along with three other Watford schools as part of the nationwide Veolia Orchard campaign.

Mayor Peter Taylor said: "I am pleased that we have been able to work with Veolia, Tesco, and Groundwork to introduce greener areas in our schools.

"This initiative to provide trees and plants to local schools will not only increase access to greenery but also educate young people about the importance of environmental stewardship.”

The scheme will provide close to 600 fruit trees and 800 strawberry plants to schools that lack ample space or green areas.

Apple and pear trees and strawberry plants, supplied by Grow at Brodgale, an organic plant care specialist, will be delivered to the selected schools in November.

Tesco will supply planters made from recycled soft plastic collected in-store from customers.

This may include bread bags, carrier bags, and pasta packets.

Additionally, Veolia's ProGrow is supplying peat-free compost to fill the planters.

Pascal Hauret, managing director at Veolia, said: "Considering we only launched Veolia Orchard last year, we are delighted at how popular the campaign is with schools and are thrilled to be supporting nearly double the amount we did in 2022."