The delights of the natural world should be available to everyone.

That's the view of the hard working pupils from a Thundersley school who have designed a route suitable for wheelchairs through the Little Haven Nature Reserve in Thundersley.

The project began two years ago and was supported by Barclays Bank.

Students from the Deanes School in Daws Heath Road, researched disabled access routes at other nature reserves.

They had to investigate suitable materials to use and drew up plans which had to approved by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

With the help of parents, they brought and installed a kissing gate which was suitable for wheelchairs and commissioned the construction of a wheelchair path through the woods and meadows at the reserve.

The idea had the backing of the Environment Agency, which included it in its millennium festival celebrations.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Funding for the project was supplied by the agency, Essex County Council and local businesses and organisations, with parents and former students undertaking the construction work.

"A further team of staff and students at the school designed a nature trail along the wheelchair access route."

The new pathway was officially opened by Castle Point Labour MP Christine Butler.

She said: "This is a wonderful example of the excellent work, over and above the everyday teaching of classroom subjects, at one of our best schools.

"The head teacher, teachers and parents of these students can be very proud of their achievements.

"Their work will be a lasting benefit to the community and they will provide the best kind of role model for the youth of today."

Nature trail - MP Christine Butler tries out the new wheelchair route with wheelchair user Soraya Pearson, and other pupils from Deanes School

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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