Keen young gardeners at schools across the district are clearing out their vegetable beds after a bumper season of green-fingered activity.

A project to encourage primary school pupils to grow what they eat by giving them hands-on lessons is now in its fourth year and is proving a big success.

A dozen schools took part in the fourth Bradford Schools’ Flower and Vegetable Show at Hollingwood Primary School – double the number on the previous year.

“They are all so keen and the standard was absolutely fantastic,” said gardener Steve Thorpe, who established the show in 2009.

“The children are so enthusiastic about the magic of gardening and there were no losers as the show was a celebration of the great things happening with growing throughout Bradford.”

Professional gardener Mr Thorpe works at eight schools, giving lessons to eager pupils.

At Hollingwood Primary this week he was joined by a team of young helpers, who take an early lunch in order to be involved.

“Now we’re clearing out the old stuff from the wooden raised beds and also making some wooden boxes for pansies and hyacinths which they can give as Christmas gifts,” said Mr Thorpe.

Beetroot, swedes and some hardy winter lettuce were all doing well at Hollingwood and Mr Thorpe said making the link between growing food and then cooking it was invaluable for children.

“There are things they might not want to eat, but if they’ve grown it from a seed then they are much more likely to give it a go,” he said. On top of producing piles of vegetables, the children are also introduced to the joy of growing flowers.

“They are germinating flowers from seed and bulbs which will then go on to brighten up Keighley town centre square. It’s a great process because different schools look after the plants at different stages. For example, Haworth Primary has a heated greenhouse where seedlings can be brought on through the winter.

And then ultimately the kids can point them out in the square and tell their parents – ‘I grew that!’,” said Mr Thorpe.