HOUSEBUILDER David Wilson Homes has donated seeds and planting equipment to pupils at Osbaldwick Primary School in York to help save the local population of bees.

The company, which is involved in the Derwenthorpe development, has also launched a competition with the pupils to design a 'bee hotel, which would provide space for the 200 different species of solitary bees within the UK to nest in.

A spokesman said a recent report by the British Beekeeping Association found that honeybee colonies were in decline due to bad British weather, and David Wilson Homes was supporting the association in its quest to tackle the decline.

Sales manager Clare Reaney said the company's ;Bee Friendly' campaign had been designed to help support the local environments and communities surrounding its developments.

"The local pupils have been very enthusiastic indeed, and we are thrilled with the fantastic designs they have created. We’re looking forward to seeing the plants and bees thriving in our community."