Plucky pupils at Burbage Primary School have taken delivery of half a dozen eggs laid by their pet chickens.

The four hens, Oak, Sycamore, Ash and Chestnut, were hatched alongside six male chicks last summer by children in Woodpecker class made up of pupils in Year 3 and 4.

The class is looking after the chickens as part of its cross-curricular topic ‘What Came First’ where the children learn about the life cycle of a chicken.

Sue McGarry teaches Woodpecker class and is science subject leader so often uses the environment within the school’s grounds as a stimulus for learning.

She said: “While in the classroom the chicks enjoyed being read to by the class and even managed to complete a mental maths test.”

Members of the school community sponsored the chicken’s coop and the children raised more than £300 by selling plants they’d grown during the term.

The money will be supplemented by selling the eggs to help to keep the chickens in comfort and style for the rest of the year.