Budding gardeners at Calveley Primary School near Nantwich have transformed a patch of mud into a landscaped garden using upcycled tyres.

The school’s gardening club – with help from parents and friends – has been busy at work since forming in February and is already the best-attended after-school group.

Every week, more than a quarter of the school’s population get into their old clothes and wellies and emerge as the ‘green team.

A school spokeswoman said: “Watching gardening club members moving barrows and trugs full of soil, bark and even manure has been inspirational.

“Arches made from hazel poles await the climbing peas and beans which will be planted once the danger of frost passes.

“We are looking forward to planting a variety of vegetables, flowers and herbs which have been lovingly tended to since they began their lives as newly sown seeds in our polytunnel.

“As with all gardens, there’s still much to do, as work continues on additional beds and even a dedicated vegetable plot.

“From seed to plate, this is a totally hands on growing experience.”

In recognition of the club’s work, the school, whose motto is ‘From small acorns grow mighty oaks’, was named Cheshire Life Magazine’s ‘School Garden of the Year 2014’.

Meanwhile, pupils have been enjoying an afternoon a week immersing themselves in outdoor, woodland learning – otherwise known as ‘Forest Schools’.

Key Stage 1 and 2 groups have been into Calveley woods and learning skills such as building dens and special knots, alongside other curriculum-based work.

The school, along with Acton Primary School, recently took delivery of a minibus after successfully applying to Cheshire East Council’s surplus vehicle allocation scheme.

A school spokeswoman said: “Calveley Primary School would like to thank Bunbury Parochial Charities for their kind donation which has enabled the training of four members of staff to drive and transport pupils.

“The children of Calveley Primary School were incredibly excited to be transported to a Deeside Ramblers hockey tournament in the minibus.

“At present, the minibus can only take eight pupils and a member of staff but we are hoping to fit three more seats in the near future.”

For more information, or to donate any unwanted pots, tools, etc, contact the school on 01270 685540.

The school would also like to congratulate the Year 6 children on the completion of their end of year SATs.