Green-fingered pupils witnessed one of the biggest community projects at their primary in years as it was transformed into an eco school.

Eighty Ford workers descended on Beam County School in Oval Road North, Dagenham, to build a wildlife pond, raised beds and a camp fire on Monday.

They were joined by park rangers and parents as they installed bird and bat boxes, a Second World War replica shelter and a BMX track for the children.

The project will help to raise awareness of the environment and healthy eating among the 500 or so pupils and their parents.

Year six teacher Adam du Toit, 35, said: “Most of the project is completed. This involved a lot of planning beforehand.

“The whole idea was to become an eco school. Another part of it was getting the community involved.

“This was very successful. Ford workers and the parents came in. We’re aiming to have a bike and gardening club and parents will be invited to join in. Kids absolutely love it. They can’t wait to get stuck in and get involved with the gardening.”

Staff at Ford Dunton technical centre in Essex spent weeks giving the school advice and preparing the ground for the works.

They assisted with excavation works overseen by Barking and Dagenham Council.

Park rangers were also brought in to check that the works would not have a negative impact on the wildlife.