TELEVISION horticulturalist and environmental campaigner David Bellamy has officially opened a Wirral school's wildlife garden that was won by a pupil.

Maisie Stephens, attends West Kirby Primary School, took part in the National Gamekeepers' Trust's literacy and art competition, writing a winning poem on the theme of hedgerows.

The 11-year-old's prize was for a free wildlife garden to be constructed in the school’s playground.

The garden was opened by Professor Bellamy OBE during a ceremony this week.

Headteacher Kate Takashima said: "As a school community, we have been raising funds to redevelop our tarmac playgrounds.

"The children told us that they wanted a wildlife area to encourage mini beasts and birds to visit us.

"The competition to win a Wildlife Garden was a fantastic opportunity for us and we were all delighted to discover that we had won.

"The children loved watching the transformation of a corner of the playground into the beautiful garden it has become in just a few weeks.

"It provides a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to learn to identify wild flowers and wildlife from first-hand experience here in our grounds.

"It will benefit not just our current pupils but also others in years to come."

The mayor, Cllr Dave Mitchell said: "The mayoress and I were delighted to attend the opening of the garden.

"I would like to say congratulations to Maisie for her winning poem, and thankyou to Professor David Bellamy OBE for taking part in the opening.

"It was a lovely event. All the children took part and what a credit to the school they all were. Also, the weather smiled as much as I did."