A set of DVDs of the award-winning "Rare Bird" documentary about the return of the Cahow seabirds from the brink of extinction and study guides based on the film have been donated to Bermuda's public schools by filmmaker Lucinda Spurling.

They will be used to enhance students' understanding of the Island's environment and natural history.

The film tells the story of environmentalist David Wingate's role in re-discovering a few surviving Cahows on a remote islet in Castle Harbour in the 1950s ? some 300 years after they had been thought extinct ? and subsequent efforts to protect the birds and help their breeding numbers increase.

Accepting the gifts for Bermuda's schoolchildren, Education Minister Neletha Butterfield said: "It is a story every Bermudian should be proud of. It is a story of hope which tells that all is not lost when it comes to our stewardship of the environment and that intelligent action now can reap rewards for future generations."

She said it was more than a token gesture made by Ms Spurling, saying: "It will ensure our students derive much benefit from the materials. Giving educators and parents additional tools with which to assist young people with their educational progress is without a doubt a positive step forward in our efforts to improve student achievement and compliments the efforts of the Ministry."

The Minister added: "I am particularly proud of those among us who spend the time, energy and other resources to provide such assistance and complement our efforts.

"All of Bermuda should be grateful that we have such leaders and such talent in our midst."