PUPILS at Upton Primary School will soon be able to learn how to grow their own vegetables, from seed to final product, thanks to a new project from Upton in Bloom.

Upton resident Dave Semple is making five raised beds for the school, and Earls Croome Garden Centre will be donating seedlings and seeds for the pupils to grow in them.

Rev Jeff Radcliffe of Upton Parish Church, who has been the driving force behind the project, said: “I believe that every young person should have a real understanding of where their food comes from, whether it be fruit and vegetables or meat and fish. “Having the opportunity to grow some of their own food is a small step in the right direction.”

Upton in Bloom Chairman Jackie Surtees, said “We have been following the progress of allotments at Longdon St Mary’s and Hanley Swan Primary Schools, and Welland Primary School’s Garden Club, and it is great that Upton children are now being given the opportunity to grow their own vegetables.

“We would like to thank all contributors to the project.”

Mr Semple is making the raised beds using timber donated by L.T & R Vowles Ltd. Upton in Bloom is asking for people to donate bags of peat-free compost to fill the beds. Earls Croome Garden Centre has agreed to take payment and deliver the compost, and anyone who would like to donate should call 01684 592143.