Pupils at a Millom school had been getting down to the grass roots to do their bit for the environment in 1997.

Children from Year Five of Black Combe School took part in a tree planting project to create more tree areas in the grounds of the school and on the banking of Horn Hill.

Teacher Edward Whitfield said: "We managed to plant about 75 trees and it's the fourth session in the project we have completed.

"The trees we have just planted are mainly around the pond area in the school grounds and also where there are existing trees on the natural areas of the field."

About 60 children planted the trees in four groups as part of the project, which was started for National Tree Week.

Mr Whitfield added: "The children think it's brilliant and they like to keep an eye on the trees they have planted. It makes them feel like they belong to them."

Black Combe School had recently donated £25 to the Tree Aid project, which went towards the planting of wind breaks in Africa to try to protect the land.

In 2008 much-loved headteacher at Black Combe Primary School Eddie Overton retired after 22 years at the school.

The 59-year-old would be replaced by Helen Webber, who was leaving Captain Shaw's School, in Bootle after three years as its headteacher.

Mrs Overton, a grandmother-of-three, said she would miss the staff and children.

"My favourite part of teaching is the children. Everything is new to them, it stops you from becoming jaded. I have always liked it. I have always wanted to work with children."

The Moor Road school had 130 pupils, eight teachers, including the head, and seven teaching assistants.

Friends and family of Mrs Overton held a leaving bash at Millom Cricket Club.

Dorothy Taylor, vice-chairman of school governors, said: "She will be sorely missed. She was a wonderful teacher."