Year 6 pupils at Carlton Junior and Infant School spent a week clearing undergrowth and planting shrubs at an area of land known locally as Canary Island, off Wilson Wood Street.

It was part of Carlton Community Week, in which pupils donated their time to improving their surroundings before they left for secondary school.

Seven years ago pupils from Carlton School had transformed the area with mosaic artwork but it had since become overgrown.

Learning mentor Pam Motley said the children had worked very hard to get Canary Island back to how it used to look.

She said: "They did a fantastic job. The children have also worked on the school grounds, where they did a big clean-up.

"I'm really proud of them, they really enjoyed it. A lot of the children have said they don't have a lot of opportunities to garden. One girl had never planted a plant in her entire life."

Gardening equipment was donated by Tesco, Wilkinson's and Sainsbury's.

Colin Burrows, secretary of Batley Carr and Purlwell Tenants' and Residents' Association, said he thought the children had done a great job and also wanted to thank Coun Mahmood Akhtar, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and residents of Dale Flats for their support.

He said he would investigate area committee funding to help keep Canary Island in good condition.