A PRIMARY school in Farnham has received a £1,000 grant and a free water butt from South East Water as part of the company’s Community Chest Fund.

St Peter’s Primary School is now able to catch and recycle rain water in the school garden, along with installing a poly tunnel with self-irrigated beds, helping them to become more sustainable.

Two speakers from South East Water were also on hand to meet the children and give a talk about water efficiency and where it comes from. The request for a slice of the £30,000 golden chest came from Melanie Lawton, Chair of the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA).

She said: “We’re very grateful to South East Water for the grant. Not only can we continue teaching the children about growing produce, but expand our garden, save water and be more eco-friendly.”

The school has already been awarded a Bronze Green Flag from Eco-Schools England, currently working towards Silver status. Rachel Lawson, Internal Communications Officer and school speaker at South East Water said: “We’re delighted to support water efficiency initiatives in the local community. It has been fantastic to see the good work that the children along with the PTFA have put into their sustainable garden.”

In 2014 South East Water received 129 applications, totalling £227,377 for a piece of the Chest’s gold, making the decision on where to award the money difficult. The Community Chest Fund will re-open for 2015 in September and applications can be made through the website.

Local community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for donations of anything from a few pounds up to £2,500. For more information go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/communitychest.