BUDDING young Northwich gardeners are being invited to produce flowers and vegetables in their school grounds for an annual competition.

All schools, including pre-schools, across West Cheshire can enter the 2015 Schools in Bloom competition run by Cheshire West and Chester Council and sponsored by Essar Oil UK.

This year’s competition has three categories, the main being ‘Where there’s a bee there’s a bloom’, which focuses on the decline of wild bees and the importance of attracting pollinators into the garden.

The ‘Incredible Edible’ category, in its second year, encourages pupils of all ages to take part in gardening schemes which enhance or make best use of outdoor space in their school grounds.

A prize for Gardener of the Year will also be awarded to a pupil nominated by their school for the best contribution to a school gardening project.

Councillor Eleanor Johnson said: “Working on gardening projects is a great and exciting way to make school subjects more interesting and can also encourage creative thought and active learning.

“We are encouraging every school in West Cheshire to enter this year’s Schools in Bloom competition ‘The Big Dig’.

“It would be good to give every pupil in the borough the opportunity to experience the growing of fruit and vegetables during their education.”

Ian Cotton, head of communications and community at Essar Oil UK added: “We are proud to support such an excellent scheme which encourages children to reap the health and well-being benefits of gardening, with the added educational benefit of linking bee pollination to aid the growing of flowers, fruit and vegetables.”

For more information about the project or to enter your school into the competition contact 0300 123 7026 or e-mail enquiries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.