GREEN-fingered schoolchildren have been busy planting bluebells at Rievaulx Terrace, near Helmsley.

The 30-strong group aged between seven and eight from nearby Helmsley Community Primary School are regular helpers at the National Trust gardens.

Head gardener Jan Hoyland said the event was part of the guardianship scheme.

"We have great links with the school and the children come up on a regular basis as part of their lessons. The children help us with our maintenance and they also get to learn about conservation issues, nature and how it works," she said.

The bluebells have been planted in areas where trees were removed earlier this year.

Visitors will be able to see the colourful additions to the scenic 18th century landscape garden when it re-opens on March 23.

Updated: 09:28 Thursday, November 22, 2001