The grounds of Smethwick's Shireland Collegiate Academy now boasts a vegetable plot, a wildlife garden, a nature pond, a bird feeding station and compost bins.

It comes after officers from the Soho and Victoria neighbourhood policing team worked alongside pupils and teachers to clear an area of land which is dedicated to environmental studies.

The project is part of the Alternative Pathways scheme which aims to reduce and prevent youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Pc Jon Hewett, who led on the scheme, said: "We're really pleased to be able to help the pupils by donating compost from the cannabis farms we have stamped out into something which has positive benefits for local young people as well as the environment."

Jane Kellas, from Shireland Collegiate Academy, added: "We hope to expand the project across all our schools, giving our students the opportunity to become more aware of the environment and help them put something back into the community.

"This activity is just one element of a Citizenship Award programme operating in year seven and eight to encourage all of our students to become active within their local community.

"We are really excited and proud to be working with the police and other partners on this wildlife activity and look forward to seeing this grow and expand over the coming months."