A POND in the grounds of a Portishead school has been brought back to life thanks to a team of volunteers.

Pupils at Gordano School will be able to learn more about aquatic life first hand from the newly-restored pond in the school’s secret garden.

Members of Gordano Valley Church (GVC) offered to restore the pond after discussing it with headteacher Gary Lewis. GVC uses the school for its regular services and wanted to give something back.

Church member Dave Francis, said: “We have had a lot of fun working together on the project and are very pleased to be able to say thank you to the school for the use of their facilities.”

The volunteers cleared the overgrown surrounding area before cleaning out the pond, replacing the plastic lining and introducing aquatic and marsh plants. The project was completed by laying wooden decking to provide easy access to the water. The pond is now home to a variety of animals including frogs and newts.

School business manager, Clare Sanders, said: “Many thanks go to the team for all their hard work. Pupils are already investigating pond dip samples and learning about how animals and plants are adapted to aquatic life.”