Pupils at St Mary’s School in Calne joined the Boarding Orchard campaign by planting their own apple tree on Friday.

The campaign aims to create the largest orchard in the UK by encouraging boarding schools all over the country to plant fruit trees in their grounds.

Headteacher Dr Felicia Kirk was joined by national director of the Boarding School’s Association, Robin Fletcher, and representatives from the school’s Eco group, in freezing temperatures, to plant the tree by the school’s science labs.

UV Form student Emily said: “Our Eco Group was very happy to be involved and embraced this opportunity. We hope that we can participate in many more events such as this in order to help the environment.”

Each fruit tree is designed to symbolise the tree of knowledge and demonstrate each school’s commitment to growth and caring for the environment.

Mr Fletcher said: “I am absolutely delighted that the girls of St Mary’s Calne are participating in the Boarding Orchard and I hope that the students will look forward to one day enjoying the fruit from this tree.”