WAYWARD ducks have led to a wildlife award for youngsters from Holy Family School in Blackpool.

Pupils began to get interested in their environment when they saw three ducks wandering around the area.

This led them to adopt a conservation theme for their Challenge 2000 and as a result the Seacrest Avenue grounds are being transformed.

Already the playgroup children have their own flowerbed area and go pond dipping.

Other ideas include a butterfly and herb garden, bird tables and a wildflower meadow, all of which have led to silver award recognition from World Wide Fund for Nature.

Everything is being co-ordinated by teacher Julie McLeod, who herself has received a Natural Pioneers Millennium award for her work.

She said: "I believe this project will help not only the pupils but also form a closer community in Blackpool with everyone working together towards a common goal."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.