A classic fantasy novel has served as inspiration for green-fingered students taking part in a gardening challenge.

Students from Pershore College created a special Narnia-themed garden for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival School Garden Challenge, using their growing skills to bring a much-loved novel to life.

Around 60 supported learning students took part in the gardening challenge, which had a theme of music.

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The students selected Narnia The Musical, an adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as their inspiration.

Their four square metre garden featured recognisable items from Narnia, such as the wardrobe door and the crown and throne of the White Witch.

All these elements were set amongst an array of plants and flowers, provided by the College Garden Centre and Nursery, which sponsored the garden.

The students had been preparing for months and were given just a week and a half to assemble their display.

Upon completion, they showcased their masterpiece at the festival, receiving a certificate.

Damion Keyte, a lecturer at college, said: "All of the students worked incredibly hard to create this year’s entry for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.

"We received the brief in around October last year and immediately started working on an initial design and plan for the garden.

"The students took ownership of the whole project, including working together to decide on a specific theme and creating an artist impression which they then brought to life."

The competition was not just about gardening, as students also learned valuable employment skills.

He added: “The project linked with the curriculum, and the students learnt about environmental issues and the importance of using recycled materials.

“They also developed some incredibly important workplace skills which will support them as they look to move into employment.

“The final garden was fantastic, and the event was very well attended by staff and students alike who were keen to show off the display and represent the college – we certainly weren’t short of volunteers."

“This is the third year we’ve entered the challenge, and we look forward to taking part again next year.”