A GROUP of York school pupils are planning to boost Britain’s bee population thanks to an initiative by housing company Barratt.

A team from Barratt Yorkshire East has visited children from Tang Hall primary school, in York, to put together plans for gardens which incorporate “bee friendly” plants.

The schools will win their own garden based on the chosen design from a pupil, who will in turn receive a bee-related goodie bag.

Paul Hogan, sales director for Barratt Yorkshire East, said: “Bees are vital pollinators in the food chain and when we heard that the population was dwindling we felt the need to help.

“We are delighted by how well the project has gone so far and we look forward to presenting the schools with their gardens.”

Fiona McCallion, of the school, said: “The pupils and staff at Tang Hall are passionate about helping the environment. Everyone is really excited about planting the new garden at school and watching their seeds grow at home. We hope that more people in Yorkshire will get involved.”