A FRIENDSHIP is set to blossom between local residents and Prestwich Community High School.

Pupils at the Heys Road School left their classrooms for the day to plant a collection of bulbs in flower beds at Sherbourne Court.

The task was part of a project set by the school's Citizenship Programme which aims to forge links between pupils and the local community.

Head of citizenship, Jane Leary, said: "The youngsters absolutely loved it. The bulbs were donated to us by Groundwork and some of the residents came out to have a look what we were doing. I think they were pleased with the results as we planted them in different locations so they could see the blooms from their windows."

As well as planting bulbs at the flats, off Bury New Road, the group of Year 7, 8 and 9 students also cultivated a relationship with residents of Glebelands Road.

Miss Leary explained: "Some residents of Glebelands Road came into school to work with the citizenship pupils on planting some trees in school grounds. The trees are intended to shield some fencing which divides the school from the road."

Miss Leary said some of the trees to be planted included flowering cherry trees which would make an attractive screen in the summer and create a nicer view for residents.