PUPILS ventured out of the classroom to take part in a national Big School Birdwatch campaign.

Youngsters from Frinton Primary School, Alton Park Junior School and St Andrews Primary in Weeley all took part in the scheme.

They created their own bird boxes before heading out to council-run green spaces to look out for different species.

The school scheme is organised every year by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Frinton pupils braved wet and windy conditions to carry out their bird watching session in the town’s seafront Crescent Gardens.

Alton Park students worked from Mediterranean Gardens on Clacton seafront while St Andrews pupils took part at Weeley Crematorium.

The schools worked with Tendring Council, which owns each of the sites, to carry out the bird watching project.

Nick Turner, Tendring Council’s environment boss said: “We are always keen to team up with the schools on joint ventures and this one has been a great success despite the weather."