Pupils from Bentley and Binsted primary schools got their hands dirty as they helped brighten up their local train station.

On Thursday, June 26, students from both schools took a field trip to plant flowers and greenery they had been growing back at school.

The initiative was organised in collaboration with Binsted Parish Council and the Wey Valley Community Rail Partnership, led by Binsted parish councillor Jo Ibbotson.

As the newest community rail partnership on the South Western Railway network, the Wey Valley Community Rail Partnership was thrilled to roll up its sleeves and get involved in the project.

The planters were built the day before by Ms Ibbotson’s husband, ready for the children’s arrival. Haskins Garden Centre generously provided tools, including trowels and wheelbarrows, to help the young gardeners get to work.

The pupils enthusiastically dug into the soil, getting messy as they planted their flowers, then made sure each one had a thorough soaking with their watering cans.

As the trains passed by, each child waved at the passengers and drivers while remaining well behind the yellow line, of course.

Bentley Station Manager James Lofthouse said: “It is great the school kids have come down to add a bit of colour to the station, and with the Alice Holt Forest trees in the background, it makes it so much better for people using the rail.”

Ms Ibbotson said: “It has been a long and drawn-out process but it is great to finally see the kids out here digging and learning about gardening.”

Bentley school governor Elise Cavanough, who is also leader of the school’s gardening club, said: “The main thing kids getting involved in learning to grow and care for plants at school as many pupils don’t have the outdoor space to do it at home.

“One of the children came up and said to me it was the best trip ever. It is great because they can bring their parents down to the station to show off their planters as well.”