Children from Symondsbury Primary School are on their way to becoming beekeepers after passing assessments.

Twelve pupils have passed their British Beekeeping Association Junior Certificate after a morning of practical and oral assessment at the hives from examiners, Terry Payne and Lesley Gasson.

They said: "The children were delightfully enthusiastic and Lesley and I enjoyed the event very much. You and your team have done an excellent job, well done."

The children attending the course had to show their ability and confidence handling a frame of honeybees, describing what they could recognise as worker bees, drones, queen, eggs, larva, sealed brood, pollen, nectar and honey.

They were quizzed about their bee diaries and presented their individual creative projects to the assessors - their models, poems, stories and drawings.

The children, school and The Dorset Bee want to thank locals who contributed to their request for bee suit donations.

The Dorset Bee group is now looking for funding to be able to offer their successful course to other schools and organisations.

Helen from The Dorset Bee said: "It has been such a pleasure to experience the sense of wonder as these young people learn to handle the bees in the hives. Each hive has a population of around 50,000 bees at this time of year, we are so proud of their maturity and sense of responsibility in caring for our amazing bees."

The children also learnt about the effects of habitat loss, how to catch a swarm, and ways to ensure the bees have enough honey to get them through the winter months.

Felix, in Year 5, said: "I really like how inclusive it was. We all had a go at everything, like holding frames. We worked as a team like the bees do and were always 'buzzing' with excitement."

Amelia, in Year 6, said: "It's really good fun and a great opportunity to be outside and learning all about the bees. It shows that even animals as small as a pea can make an impact on our world and do amazing, incredible things."

They were also able to harvest a small amount of honey which was presented to them with their certificate and very own swan feather, which beekeepers use to gently move the bees in the hive.

Emma Roberts, headteacher of Symondsbury Primary School, said: "Becoming beekeepers has been an incredible opportunity and learning experience for our children. I personally experienced a session with the bees and found it to be so calming - despite being nervous around bees initially - and wonderful for wellbeing.  

"The impact on the children's physical, mental and emotional health was clear to see and being outdoors has seen children flourish in an environment they feel comfortable in.  

"The children worked collaboratively and developed a range of skills including creativity, problem solving, independence and confident as well as becoming experts in bees and the amazing work they do! 

"We are so thankful to the volunteers who made this happen for our children."

Thanks also to Coppet Hill for the apiary site and for planting pollinator friendly plants which will provide food to help the bees survive over winter.