Youngsters at Ledbury Primary are being encouraged to grow their own and get green-fingered, thanks to support from a major local business.

The children have their own space to grow, after six raised beds, donated by local fruit business Haygrove, were recently installed by volunteers. These included Julie Rees, the headteacher; Tim Shelley, from the Haygrove Community Gardens Charity, and Angus Davison, the chairman at Haygrove.

The new beds will “allow children to reap the benefits of learning though growing their own fruit and vegetables”.

Mrs Rees said: “The garden will create opportunities for fun, outdoor learning; and the food we harvest will also contribute to healthy lunches!”

“The dedicated garden area is neatly enclosed by a recently installed fence, made from waste wood by the carpentry team at Walsingham Support, a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Caroline Pickering, manager of the Creative Learning department at Walsingham Support, added that the team of carpenters had enjoyed making the 40 fence panels.

She said: “It has been creative and therapeutic work, and has encouraged the development of new skills - whilst contributing to a super cause.”

The next phase of the project includes raising funds to equip the children with tools and other essential equipment, compost, plants, and educational materials. An online appeal (https://localgiving.org/LedburyPrimarySchoolGarden) has been established to raise £1,000 by mid-November.