IT could have been the usual story, volunteers from Caring for God's Acre repairing a churchyard wall. But this time the story had a sting in the tail.

Tucked behind the dry stone wall at St Michael's, Mansel Lacy, was a nest of red tailed bumble bees, none too happy at having their home invaded by the God's Acre training day.

Inspiraton was more down-to-earth than divine. Trainer Paul Nicholls suggested building an old piece of pipe into the wall so the bees could come and go.

The nest had belonged to a mouse until the red tails took vacant possession.

Around 18 people went out to learn dry stone walling skills from Paul. The wall at St Michael's was in a bad way before the team got to work.

Caring for God's Acre is a charity supporting communities in caring for churchyards. Another training day will be held in August. For details call Hilary Smith on 01568 611154 or visit www.caringforgodsacre.co.uk l A SWARM of bees has caused a buzz of excitement at a city school.

The bees found a home near the top of an oak tree at St Paul's Primary School on Hampton Dene Road.

"The swarm settled in the top of the tree which is close to the infant block," said headteacher Reg Thomas.

"They were noticed shortly before hometime so the children in the classes close to the tree had to leave via a different exit."

No-one was hurt and a beekeeper was called to deal with the incident.

l A WOMAN has suffered an anaphylactic reaction after being stung a dozen times by bees.

The woman, who is in her 40s, was attending a beehive at her home in Newton St Margarets.

She was airlifted to Hereford County Hospital.

The incident follows a case in Worcestershire when a 50-year-old man was bitten by a hamster and later hospitalised for anaphylactic shock.