CHILDREN at the highest school in Britain are used to being exposed to the elements on their wind-swept playground.

But now Flash Primary, near Leek, has come up with the ideal solution for windy playtimes – creating a willow tunnel as a shelter for pupils.

The unusual feature would run alongside two edges of the playground and would also have a beehive-shaped section for groups of youngsters to sit in and chat.

As Flash sits around 1,500 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by idyllic hills and open countryside, most freestanding structures would simply blow over in the wind.

But the living willow tunnel would be rooted in the ground and its hardy branches could survive even the most frosty of winters.

It would also give pupils a lesson in nature as they could plant the willow trees and then tend to them as the branches grow round the curved frame of the shelter.

Now the school is hoping to win a £5,000 prize in The Sentinel's and Barclays' Class Act competition so it can fund the venture.

Parent volunteer Wanda Balderstone, who works with pupils in art lessons, said: "We could plant it in the spring and, although the growing season is short here, it should grow."

Pupils could also use the tunnel for shade on sunny days and as a retreat when they need some time to themselves. Following its passageways could also give them countless hours of amusement at playtimes.

Kieran Finney, aged 10, said: "If we had the tunnel, it would be covered in leaves and would be really nice."

Staff at Flash Primary, which has fewer then 25 pupils, also hope the feature would provide an attractive addition to the school grounds.

Acting headteacher Dehra Griffiths said: "When there are no leaves, we could hang things on the tunnel.

"As the children would be helping to make the tunnel, they would also have ownership of it and help care for it."