A Newton Aycliffe school has bagged a load of free gardening gear after a teacher’s chance discussion.
Literacy worker Mr Heaven set up Woodham Academy’s Wildlife Club in September in the hope of encouraging students at the school to become involved in conservation projects.
But he had been struggling to collect enough tools and materials to keep club members busy.
Until, that was, he received a phone call from the Wilko store in Newton Aycliffe.
Mr Heaven had visited the store in the summer to price up equipment when he got chatting to a member of the Wilko staff about his plans for the Wildlife Club.
“He was handed a leaflet and, much to his surprise, was asked if he would like to apply for help from the Helping Hands organisation run by employees of the company,” said the school.
“Fast forward a couple of months and a delighted Mr Heaven is outside of the main entrance of the company’s store on Beveridge Way taking possession of armfuls of gardening equipment.”
Also present at the hand-over was Wilko’s Customer Service Assistant and Helping Hand committee member Richard Tarbutt and his manager Selema Lee.
