We're doing something green in 2019. That was the message from pupils at Sevenoaks Primary School as they helped KCC launch its Year of Green Acton.

The children set to and helped create a wildlife pond, complete with pond-dipping platform, at the school in Bradbourne Road.

KCC hopes that families, community groups and businesses will follow the Year 6 pupils' example and undertake their own green project.

The youngsters' efforts were watched by Michael Payne, KCC’s deputy cabinet member for planning, and by Margaret Crabtree, KCC member for Sevenoaks Town who is also deputy cabinet member for finance.

Mr Payne said: “This project is a brilliant example of green action and both the school children and the adult volunteers are having a wonderful time doing their bit for Kent’s natural environment and should be congratulated.

“Throughout 2019, Kent County Council will be encouraging individuals, families, communities and businesses to take part in Kent Year of Green Action, whether by getting more active outdoors, volunteering or switching to more sustainable behaviour in their daily lives.”

Mrs Crabtree received a request from the school for funding and was delighted to respond positively by providing the money for the project from her KCC Members’ Grant Fund.

She said: “This project will make a real difference to the school and I look forward to seeing the wildlife take over the pond, and the children having a wonderful first-hand experience of nature for many years to come.”

The children were assisted by members of the North West Kent Countryside Partnership, a not-for-profit organisation which helps the environment and local community.

Sara Spellman from the partnership said: “Working with the school has been a real pleasure."

Kate Perkins from Sevenoaks Primary School said: “The children will be keeping a close eye on the pond as different types of wildlife establish themselves across the year. The pond will be a brilliant education resource for many years to come.”

Full details of Kent Year of Green Action can be found on the campaign web page: www.explorekent.org/greenaction