OLD Basing Infant School were buzzing to sell their first harvest of honey.

The passion for apiculture came from teacher Ginny Murray, who led the establishment of the school’s hives in 2017.

The school has been supported by Basingstoke Bee Association, as well as experienced resident Mike Davey, who has helped to take care of the school’s two hives and to harvest the honey successfully.

Headteacher Tracey McCarley said: “After a false start or two, we are delighted to have two thriving hives.

“We decided to keep bees because we wanted the children to understand the importance of bees in the ecosystem and to be aware of the concerns around the declining bee population.

“Children from the school are involved in the bee-keeping and when the hives waken in the spring, they will be ensuring our hives grow and produce even more honey for next year.”

One of the school’s teachers, Emma Webb, is the current school lead for beekeeping, having been taught about the practice from Mike.

Emma said: “Having never been a bee-keeper it has been an exciting time harvesting our first honey. We really hope the honey will be enjoyed by our families and that we will continue to do our bit to support the bee population locally.”

The first batches of honey was sold to families of school’s pupils at its Christmas play performances and the proceeds will be used to support the bee-keeping activities.