A village school hopes to improve its forest school area thanks to our big money competition.

Sytchampton Endowed Primary School is one of 30 schools shortlisted for the Cash for Schools competition we are running with Western Power Distribution.

The school, near Stourport-on-Severn, is guaranteed to receive a share of the £25,000 but how much depends on how many votes they accumulate.

Head Sharon Williams said she would use any money to build a seating area and a fire pit for pupils to use during their forest school sessions as well as in after-school and lunch-time clubs.

She said: "Here at Sytchampton we really love outdoor learning and make the most of every opportunity to learn through exploration and investigation.

"This starts in reception and continues right through to key stage 2.

"We currently have a small forest area but we would very much like to extend it; so that we can incorporate more den building, natural habitats for birds and wildlife and homes for mini-beasts.

"As an Eco-school we would aim to use natural materials but some extra funding would enable us to create a natural seating area and a fire pit and some extra fencing to extend our forest patch.

"We very much want the children to design the extension to our existing area and we need to purchase some new tools and equipment."

Mrs Williams said the children would benefit because their forest school work could be linked to learning across the curriculum.

She said: "The natural environment encourages our active learners to think, reflect and share their ideas – and the impact can then be seen in the classroom.

"Time spent outdoors also impacts on their health and well-being and gives pupils time to appreciate their natural surroundings."

The school now wants the help of Worcester News readers to try and raise as much money as possible.

Mrs Williams added: "As a small village school we always have a very tight budget and so any extra funding is very much appreciated."

You will find voting coupons in the paper every day for you to collect and send in to vote for your favourite projects.

You may send in as many coupons as you wish.

The school with the most votes will win the £5,000 top prize.