Pupils at the Brodetsky Primary in Leeds will be entering the organic egg market thanks to a £10,000 outdoor classroom project.

Hens, a large pond and a computerised weather station are features of the facility, constructed by specialist contractors who build sets for TV soap Emmerdale.

Funded by a donation from a local community member, the project will encourage pupils to learn about nature, the weather and become involved in rearing the 18 hens. Eggs produced will be available for purchase from the school.

There will be two outdoor "classrooms", complete with carved oak benches. Head Jeremy Dunford be-lieves the project "will also help children with more challenging behaviour as the outdoors is a good place to gain a good state of mind."

Mr Dunford was trained to keep hens at his previous school and has given staff guidance on using the facility.

But not everything has gone to plan.Last week, staff spent hours filling the fenced-off pond after two local fire engines had pumped in 1,000 gallons of water, only for this to prove insufficient.

The weather station will provide live reports to a planned new website.