A Halesowen primary school had a blooming brilliant day when it won the Big Wildlife Garden School of the Year award for the West Midlands region.

Lutley Primary School’s staff, pupils and volunteers worked over four years to ensure it is one of the most eco-friendly in the country.

Over the last four years fruit, vegetables, a hedgehog hall, a wildlife pond and a dove house have all been introduced to the school which beat off hundreds of schools.

On winning the award, Liz Cole, Eco co-ordinator at Lutley Primary School said: “Every child in the school plus members of our community have enjoyed creating the gardens at Lutley over the last few years and one of the best rewards is seeing more wildlife using our school grounds, from frogs and dragonflies in our pond to blue tits nesting in one of our bird boxes.

“To win this award from The Big Wildlife Garden means such a lot to us, inspiring us to keep up the good work we have begun, together.”

James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, presented the winning plaque to the school.

He said: “ I am delighted that Lutley Primary School have won this important award. It is vital that local children get an appreciation of nature and the natural world at an early age. The school can be very proud of this achievement. ”

Sally Green, a member of the West Midlands Senior Management added: “It is fantastic that so many schools have joined the Big Wildlife Garden, and took part in the School of the Year competition. “The Big Wildlife Garden was created in order to inspire children to enjoy the natural world as well as highlight the important role wildlife friendly gardening plays when it comes to supporting biodiversity.”