READY, steady, get growing! Young school pupils are using their gardening skills to boost Bournemouth’s chances in this year’s prestigous Britain in Bloom contest.

Bournemouth is preparing to welcome the In Bloom judges and is hoping its chosen theme of “Bournemouth’s Growing” will help them go for gold.

Campaign organisers are planning to involve the entire community in its bid and have organised a vegetable and edible flower growing contest for Bournemouth school pupils.

Among those taking up the challenge is Linwood School, the first school in Bournemouth to gain the Eco Schools Award. Pupils there are proud of their thriving flower and vegetable beds and are excitedly planning their competition entry.

Graham Martin, the school’s science leader, said the benefits of including gardening on the school curriculum were enormous. “They develop a love and experience of gardens and a joy of growing things.

“They learn to work as a team, which is really important, and they learn new skills and have a lot of fun.”

Diana Parker, the chair of Bournemouth in Bloom, urged other schools to follow Linwood’s lead and enter the competition.

“If they don’t they are really going to miss out because it’s going to be such a year,” she said.

“Something like this can really inspire a love of gardening in children, something that will last with them for the rest of their lives.”

Bournemouth is one of six finalists in the coastal category for towns with a population over 12,000.

Judges will visit in July and August and will mark the town on its commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and horticultural achievement.

The schools’ competition is just one of many projects and initiatives around the town that the judges will be shown.

Any other schools wishing to join in can contact Diana on 01202 391794 or 07904 666971 or email petwalkies@yahoo.co.uk.