An environmental project by north Essex pupils has netted them £500 in a county-wide competition.

Pupils from Copford Primary School scooped first prize in the youngest category of the Stanley Barnett Awards.

They had made a wildlife garden - a major planting area including woodland, a hedgerow, climbing plants and a pond.

Other winners included Colchester Royal Grammar School in Lexden Road, which was awarded £1,000 for research into waste paper, wood and plastic generated by fan manufacturers Woods Air Movement.

Runners-up were Kendall Primary School in New Town, Colchester, which got £250 for a garden project.

The Stanley Barnett Awards are named after a former chairman of Essex County Council, and are run by A to Z Supplies.

The prizes will be presented and the overall winner of the Stanley Barnett Trophy announced at County Hall, Chelmsford, on January 20.

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