IT will be a fruitful year for one primary school as they will watch their newly planted orchard blossom into life.

Children from Dines Green Primary School planted fruit trees in the school ground creating the roots for their gardening and eco club and providing healthy food for their school kitchen.

The newly planted apple trees will also commemorate their previous headteacher Stephen Gough who retired in July.

Sanctuary Group and its contractor Stepnell, who are currently developing a £22 million care and supported housing scheme in St John’s known as Sanctuary Grove, have joined forces to provide funding.

Sophie Bell, Sanctuary’s development manager, said: “During the early stages of the development programme, local groups were invited to put forward their ideas for projects we could support and invest in.

“We are really pleased that we are able to offer this opportunity to the local school and this particular project will mean children who attend the school will benefit from the orchard for many years to come.”

John Neill, Stepnell’s project manager, said: “It gives me great pleasure for the project to assist the students of Dines Green Primary School in realising their vision.

“The planting of the trees is just one example of Stepnell’s commitment to corporate social responsibility within the area local to our development at Sanctuary Grove.”