THANKS to the fundraising efforts of Friends of Medstead School, pupils can now enjoy one of their favourite pastimes – pond dipping.

It’s something they haven’t enjoyed for a long time as their school pond has been overgrown with vegetation while thick algae has covered water, making it difficult for the children to dip into to find any watery creatures.

Describing the pond as “tired looking”, Friends of Medstead School chairman Sally Powell decided to do something about it and began a “pond regeneration fundraising campaign” by holding events such as a summer festival and a school disco to have the pond restored.

“When the £4,000 target was reached,” said Sally, “we got a team of workmen in and they did a marvellous job rejuvenating the pond. We also put small benches round it so the pupils can take turns to sit while the others are doing the pond dipping.”

There was an official opening of the pond last Saturday by Alton mayor Dean Phillips, who cut a ribbon tied across the new clear and clean water and congratulated the Friends of Medstead School on their achievement.

Headteacher Jane Oborn was at the ceremony with 12 of the school’s young environmentalists, who have been appointed to report on the pond and the surrounding environment to their classmates.

Sally also thanked parents who had given generously at the various fundraising events for the pond “and also the children who used their pocket money to help us”.