STAFF, pupils and parents at The Downs School in Colwall have completed the restoration of their boating lake.

Work on the lake began in April but had to be postponed when nesting ducks took up residence in derelict duck houses.

But on Sunday, October 6, the work was completed after a summer holiday of work.

Eighteen years of accumulated silt was removed by hand, the duck houses were renovated and repainted and overhanging trees were pruned.

Headteacher Alastair Ramsay said: "I'm extremely grateful to all those who gave up their time over the past few months and put in many hours of hard work. We hope to stock the pond with fish and relaunch one of the original school model yachts very soon."