YOUNGSTERS helped plant 38 fruit trees in an effort to make their school more environmentally friendly.

Children in an eco council at Martin Primary School in Plane Tree Walk, East Finchley planted apple, plum, cherry and quince trees in the ground’s orchard.

The council is made up of two representatives from each year and together they participate in activities such as picking up litter, feeding birds and growing fruit and vegetables to better their understanding of the environment and how to look after it.

The trees were donated after caretaker Tristan Green and volunteer, Roger Chapman invited building company, Wates to invest in the school.

Staff including headteacher Helen Morrison and Year Two teacher Rebecca Bakar, helped pupils plant the trees.

Mrs Bakar said: “The children were very excited at the thought they could be picking their own fruit in two or three years time.

“It’s all about teaching the children about how to look after the environment, as well as having fun at the same time.”

Mrs Bakar said some of the fruit will be used for taster sessions in the school whilst the rest will be sold to parents and the proceeds used for growing more fruit and vegetables.