While many would have been thrown on the rubbish pile, 1,500 bottles have been given a new lease of life in the form of a greenhouse.

After weeks of collecting, Year 6 pupils of Fleetville Junior School have taken recycled bottles and constructed an 8ft building.

The greenhouse was the idea of assistant head Clare Todd, but was put in to action by caretaker Helen Maher and Year 6 pupils.

The 10 and 11 year old pupils harnessed the help of the Fleetville community, who donated bottles, sourced materials and helped to build the new school attraction.

Led by ‘chief engineer’ 11-year-old Oliver Fearn, they spent a week building it, cutting bottles, fitting them inside one another and mounting them on to the frame.

Helping hands were provided in the form of Matt Greaves, of M. Grieves Construction, and assistant Jay Maher, who volunteered on Saturdays to help build the timber frame.

Helen Maher said: “The school wants to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated empty bottles for this project.

“We would like to thank the community and businesses who generously gave their time and resources; as well as the Year 6 staff and children. Without everyone doing their bit the project wouldn’t have been able to happen.”

The greenhouse was officially opened last Saturday (12) by new Mayor of St Albans Geoff Harrison as part of the Year 6 leavers party.

Hopes are high for more greenhouses, and bottle collecting is still in full force at the eco-conscious school.