Sow far so good after Tatton triumph

GREEN-fingered: members of the Higher Failsworth Primary gardening club with Claire Yates.

Everything came up roses for children from Higher Failsworth Primary School when their garden at Tatton Park’s RHS Flower Show scooped a highly commended honour.

And now they have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by a wellwisher impressed by their green-fingered skills.

Designed by members of the school’s gardening club, the garden was inspired by Failsworth-born dialect poet Ben Brierley. Claire Yates, the school’s outdoor learning coordinator - who set up the club in 2010, said: “We started off with just a few pots. Now the children come every week and the older children help the younger ones.

“I am delighted their hard work has been recognised with this nomination. The children were made up when I told them!”

The school has a vegetable plot and the beginnings of an orchard. Children take the vegetables home, and some produce is also used in school meals.

“We are in the very early stages of planning a community garden scheme,” said Claire. “Our plans for the future include beds at the front of school with vegetables and fruit parents can use at home.”