STUDENTS at a Harpenden school have been working with green-fingered residents to learn more about water conservation during the drought.

The Gardening Club at St George's School in Sun Lane have spent the last two terms working with the Harpenden Horticultural Society to make their greenhouses as ecologically friendly as possible.

They have been collecting and conserving water for use in their greenhouse on the school's grounds, by positioning water butts at every available drainpipe and installing a new automated irrigation system, paid for by the horticultural society.

The 'leaky hose' system, which is allowed to be used during the hose-pipe ban, is controlled by a small computerised console at the mains tap which ensures plants which are grown remain in a good condition.

Sarah Balmer, the school gardening group leader, said: "The fact that not a drop of water is lost, when the leaky hose is in action, ensures that we don't waste any at all.

"Our students grow and tend all the plants for our beautiful school grounds and due to their tireless work have won Harpenden in Bloom for the last four years in a row."

Headmaster Norman Hoare praised the pupils' efforts adding: "This is a real example of our young people caring for their environment and acting responsibly."