A primary school in Eastville will be creating a new wildlife garden thanks to a donation from Wessex Water.

May Park Primary School on Coombe Road has received a Wessex Watermark Award of £500 for the garden, which it hopes will extend children's awareness of the environment.

The school wanted a outside play area to reflect its bright classrooms.

The new wildlife garden will improve the children's learning experience, providing invaluable opportunities for exploration, discovery and play, and will be used by all the pupils.

Teacher Philippa Gardner said: "We are very excited about the new wildlife area. We will be able to develop and extend children's awareness of the environment.

"The wildlife area will provide a stimulating and beautiful environment, helping them to learn independently and to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature. We are delighted to have the support of Wessex Water in making this possible."

The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area.

In 16 years, it has supported more than 500 environmental initiatives.

Organised by the Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its president, David Bellamy.