AN OVERGROWN wooded area at the back of a Martlesham primary school has been converted into a nature trail for pupils with the help of a face from TV.

AN OVERGROWN wooded area at the back of a Martlesham primary school has been converted into a nature trail for pupils with the help of a face from TV.

The new trail, on the grounds of Martlesham Beacon Hill Primary School, in Blacktiles Lane, was partly designed and built by Dolly from Jimmy's Farm, in Wherstead.

Dolly is one of the staff members at the Essex Pig Company, which is the subject of a BBC2 documentary series.

The official opening of the trail coincided with the school's summer fair on Saturday, which featured a pony and trap, a penalty shoot-out event and a little dipper.

Alan Murray, headteacher at the school, said: “It was an excellent day and the most successful fair we have had so far.

“Dolly has been involved with the school since last June and helping to develop the nature trail and pond area. One of the parents knew him and asked if he would be interested in helping.

“He now wants to stay involved with the school and is assisting us with the next project.”

It took ten weeks to complete the development, which includes a roped pathway through the woodland, so children can access the area safety.

There are already plans in place to build an outside classroom in the middle of the wood where children would be able to have lessons about the environment.

The piece of land was donated to the school by the parish council four years ago.

Is your school developing something to help the environment? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.