Pupils at a primary school in Breightmet have planted 100 trees to celebrate a landmark anniversary.

Year four students from Bolton St Catherine's Academy were joined by Rotarians from Bolton Lever Rotary Club recently and planted 100 trees at the school in a bid to offset carbon emissions, celebrate the charities centenary year and create a new woodland as part of HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy.

Christopher Hill, Deputy Headteacher of the school, taught the students about Earth Day which is an environmental movement that for 52 years has resulted in policy change and a greater awareness of the environment.

After those lessons, Christopher decided to approach the club with the idea of creating a Rotary 100 Woodland at the school - and this is exactly what they did.

Working together previously, Rotarians and students planted flower beds at the front of the school with purple crocus corms to commemorate the near eradication of wild polio throughout the world.

But, this time, Rotarian Graham Stamford organised fellow Rotarians to attend the school, and plant the 100 crab-apple trees, kindly supplied by the Woodland Trust, whilst teaching the students about the environment, sustainability and care for the planet.

Graham Stamford said: “It was great to be invited back to Bolton St Catherine’s Academy to support them with another of their environmental initiatives.

"These students are the future of our planet and it’s good to know they have a positive mindset on climate issues."

The school is also being recognised for its environmental action through the Eco-Schools Green Flag scheme.

Lianne Cass, Higher Level Teaching Assistant at the school, is leading the initiative with the support of the students’ Eco Club.

So far, they have taken part in litter picks in the wider community, planted trees in wasteland and appointed eco monitors to each class who take the lead on differing areas of environmental responsibility such as recycling, switching off unused devices and leading whole school assemblies.

Lianne Cass said: “The children are really taking the lead on our drive to become an eco-school.

"They are keen to get involved and have already made such an impact.

"It is good to see that the 100 trees will become a legacy for years to come."

This year is the 100th year of Rotary in Bolton and to celebrate their fundraising efforts, they have added a new area of focus - Supporting the Environment - and Bolton Lever Rotary Club has already planted more than 2000 trees.