CHILDREN at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Corsham put their green-fingers to the test for a project to celebrate their patron saint and the school's 50th anniversary.

Tasked with making the school's grounds more colourful, the children were able to spend the day outside on Friday creating floral displays using a variety of unconventional planters from wellies to old kettles.

Headteacher Rita McLoughlin said: "Every year for St Patrick's Day we do something special and last year we did outdoor projects like making bug hotels and this year we thought we would do it again because the children really enjoyed it and it is our 50th anniversary so wanted to make our school grounds look really nice.

"It was a bit muddy outside but the kids had a blast. It was an opportunity for them to get out in the fresh air and blow some cobwebs away. Everyone had their own projects and the idea was that no one was allowed to use ordinary or traditional; planters - it had to be a bit crazy."

Reception class made planters from wellies, year one used soft drink bottles, year two created a big 50 out of their tin can planters, year three used old kitchen utensils and year four worked with an old filing cabinet.

The last two year groups were tasked with working on the old vegetable patch and creating a keyhole garden, which will bloom surprises as the weather continues to get warmer.

The school also celebrated receiving a 'Good' Ofsted rating last week which highlighted good leadership, a welcoming atmosphere and the school's focus on writing. They were asked to continue this work to improve children's progress throughout the curriculum and work on outcomes for children with special needs.

Miss McLoughlin added: "We are very happy with our OFSTED rating. Our work with writing was recognised by them as we are encouraging our children to write as authors. The key is to improve their writing as the new curriculum has higher standards for reading, writing and spelling."