A SCHOOL in Wolverley has rehomed two meerkats from Dudley Zoo.

The animal centre at Wolverley CE Secondary School received £500 from Wyre Forest District Council's Localism Fund to build an enclosure for meerkats Marvin and Lucky, who moved in last week.

The centre, which is run by Wild Good Rural Training, is popular with local primary, special and public referral schools, and is already home to a wide variety of farm animals and exotic creatures.

Headteacher Bryn Thomas said: "We are delighted with the new additions to our highly successful Animal Care Centre.

"Marvin and Lucky the meerkats will no doubt be the centre of attention for our students and our many regular visitors.

"The Wolverley CE Secondary School Animal Centre is very popular with our students, other local schools and members of the community who attend workshops and events here.

"The meerkats will be a really special addition to our wide variety of farm animals, mammals and reptiles and will add a new dimension to our animal care course and wider curriculum.

"They are settling in to their specially constructed home and have created a real buzz of excitement for staff and students.

"We are delighted to welcome these fascinating animals and hope they bring even more pleasure, fun and curiosity into the heart of our amazing school."

Wolverley also received a £1,000 grant from the council's Localism Fund for its student-led Age Mix project, which aims to bring together people from all generations.

The group, led by ex-student Ollie Farquharson, meets once a fortnight to take part in activities like cooking or visiting the school's animal centre.

Since the start of the project, the school has seen an increase in student attendance and academic performance.

District councillor Marcus Hart said: “It’s great to see our community Localism Fund continuing to support projects that mean so much to local people.

“The Age Mix project is a great way to bring together people from all generations and this has been made possible thanks to the hard work of Ollie Farquharson at Wolverley CE Secondary School.

“Only next door, the animal centre carries on the community ethos by opening its doors to local schools.

"The work they do is brilliant and I’m sure the meerkats will be a welcome addition.

“These are exactly the kind of projects our Localism Fund was set up to support – working in partnership with communities to improve services and facilities for local residents.”

Ollie Farquharson, Age Mix project leader at Wolverley CE Secondary School, said: “I’m extremely pleased with the grant we received from Wyre Forest District Council’s community Localism Fund.

“This will help us introduce a wider range of activities for the whole group to enjoy.

"If you are interested in coming along, please call the school’s main reception on 01562 859800.”