A WEST Dorset primary school has been awarded funding to create a larger wildlife pond.

Symondsbury Primary School has received £350 from Wessex Water to build the pond. It is hoped the water feature will attract wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies and frogs.

Duncan Forbes, Wessex Water's educational advisor for Dorset handed over the Wessex Watermark cheque when he met with children and teachers at the school last week, who want to encourage pond and insect life to the school.

The funding request to Wessex Water was the idea of eight-year-old Symondsbury Primary School pupil Harry Matterface - who is a very keen gardener.

Harry said: "Our pond is going to be one metre wide by two metres long and it will have a shelf around the edge where we can plant lilies, water irises, king cups and rushes.

“We are hoping to attract dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, toads and newts.”

Symondsbury Primary School teacher Lisa Jenkin, is pleased the school will be able to provide a much bigger pond to attract wildlife.

She said: "Harry is the chief gardener of the school's gardening club and is very enthusiastic.

"We all asked the children what they wanted and they said a larger pond. What we have at the moment is little bigger than a puddle.

"Harry has been set the task of applying for the new pond and has been looking forward to Duncan coming with the Watermark cheque."

The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Now in its 22nd year, it has supported more than 900 environmental initiatives.

Organised by The Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its president, David Bellamy.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: "Schools, parish councils, youth groups and community organisations are eligible to apply for grants of up to £1,500.

"Every three months a special project receives the Wessex Watermark gold award worth £2,500."

For more information, please visit wessexwater.co.uk/watermark/