Following on from the school being awarded an eco green flag, its parent council organised an environmental action day using volunteers from throughout the community to clear three areas at Madras.

They tackled the overgrown garden behind the former janitor's house, the silted-up burn at the Kilrymont site and a disused drying green at the South Street site.

Henry Paul, parents' council chair and a serving RAF officer, said: "The aim is to help the Madras eco-club become self-sufficient, and we have provided them with a cleared area to work with in the autumn.

''We have also managed to raise over £1400 for the eco-club comprising £100 from the club selling plants at the S1 parents' evening; £150 from the performing arts evening; £160 from the auction of a simulator ride; £500 from Madras College and £500 from the R&A.

''This will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the eco-club."

The day of action turned out to be a real demonstration of community spirit, with Territorial Army engineers providing a mechanical digger, two dumper trucks and a lorry to clear the burn; St Andrews Links Trust adding a digger to clear the garden at the back of the former janitor's house and a shredder to shred all the green waste.

D.M. Motors, in Largo Road, provided a mini-digger and Starbucks brought tea, coffee and biscuits to sustain the workers.

Around 40 RAF personnel and parents helped with the work and supported two other projects at neighbouring venues — a trim trail was installed at Greyfriars Primary School and the rear garden of the Guide hut was cleared to enable the Guides to establish an eco-garden.

Mr Paul added: "Four of the volunteers were former pupils of Madras — Ryan Dunn and Luke Johnston helped with the TA Engineers; Jimmy Bone from the St Andrews Links Trust and Adrian Coultherd from DM Motors helped with the mini-digger operations."

Madras were delighted with the help they were given said the teacher co-ordinating the initiative, Brendan Fox.

"In addition to the work on the burn, the garden that has been cleared can be transformed during the coming session by the Department of Additional Support and Biology into a recreational asset for pupils and staff,'' he added.

''In South Street, another garden area will be converted by pupils into a herb and sensory garden, something the home economics department are especially looking forward to.

''It's an excellent opportunity to have a blank canvas which the pupils can work on. The whole community has been involved today and this is what school is all about, with parents, staff, pupils and the community all working together.

''We are fortunate to have an excellent parent council who have cooperated with the school to help our eco clubs become more self-sustaining.

''They have provided us with an excellent opportunity to make the most of these additional learning resources and this is a great practical challenge for all involved."