THERE WAS no shortage of water to plant the first tree in a green theme timetable which is cascading through the grounds of a Bishopstoke school.

Braving the torrential rain, Eastleigh mayor Glynn Davies-Dear was launching Stoke Park Junior School's exciting environmental initiative.

This year the Tree Council is celebrating its 30th anniversary by distributing grants to enable about 157 schools to plant trees during National Tree Week.

And Stoke Park Junior was given £400 towards the planting of 250 trees in the school grounds.

After the mayor planted the first tree it was the pupils' turn. They had the backing of parents and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - the conservation charity.

The BCTV has joined forces with the school to develop a five-year programme for the grounds.

This has been managed by teacher Paul Chamberlain with the help of pupils in the Green Team, who have particular responsibility for helping in the grounds.

This includes a woodland walk leading to an outside classroom area within the shade of the woodland.