Marlborough's students are getting a hands-on lesson in caring for river wildlife by looking after eels in their classrooms for eight weeks.

Pupils at Preshute, Aldbourne St Michael’s, Ramsbury, Hungerford, St John’s Academy and Marlborough College are minding tanks of baby eels, known as elvers.

The project is supported by Action for the River Kennet in partnership with Severn & Wye Smokery.

Numbers of eels in UK rivers have dwindled over the last few decades and the fish cared for by the schools will be released into the River Kennet in July.

Shelley Irvine, Year 3 teacher at Preshute, said: “The elvers are an inspiring way to engage children with the wildlife in their local river.”