A CRADLEY Heath primary school has fought off stiff competition from hundreds of other groups across the UK and Ireland to win £5,000 worth of B&Q products.

The school will use the award to improve the school’s outdoor classroom and make the area self-sufficient, with the creation of a community garden on adjoining wasteland.

It is hoped that neighbours of the Plant Street school will take on gardening the 30sq m plot in an allotment style, as well the children growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Volunteers plan to create raised beds, build a shed and greenhouse, and install water butts and compost bins in the vegetable plot as well as re-turfing the grassed area at the school, which is the oldest in Sandwell.

B&Q will provide materials and new tools and the work is due to begin this month with completion due by the end of September.

School business manager Penny Garratt said “This is fantastic news. The B&Q One Planet Living Award will not only make our vision a reality, it will help us improve our surroundings for future pupils to enjoy as well. We cannot wait to get started.”

Phil Chew from B&Q Halesowen added, “We are delighted that Corngreaves Primary School has won the £5,000 award and look forward to working with them on the project.”