ONE of Britain's rarest mammals was put in the spotlight by Porlock youngsters last week.

Reception and nursery children from St Dubricius First School in the village were checking out dormice in local woodlands.

The children, part of St Dubricius' forest school, have been helping National Trust rangers from the nearby Holnicote Estate carry out a dormouse survey to monitor the progress of the tiny creatures.

As part of their weekly outdoor learning sessions led by forest school leaders Carol Murray and Karen Mallinson, the youngsters made a 'mind-map' of dormice facts.

These included that dormice are cute, sleep a lot, can climb and go out to get food.

"The children were thrilled that during the survey they found a mouse with a baby in her tummy," said a school spokesman.

"They worked out that she weighed four grams more than a male mouse they also helped to weigh."

Deputy headteacher and early years lead Alison Oakley said: "Local links with National Trust initiatives like this are invaluable to the children's personal and social development.

"It also fosters a love of the wonderful environment in which our school is located."

Pictured with National Trust ranger Rob Manicom, from left, Ethan Keal, Louis Wright, Phoebe Lothian, Amy Tucker, Elija Macriner, Ruby Atkins and Sophia Manicom.

Photos: Steve Guscott