By Rosslyn Wilks - Community Correspondent It’s a well known fact amongst children nowadays: Gardening, an activity only undertaken by those above the age of 34, is about as exciting as watching paint dry. It seems the days of “Dig for Victory” and enjoying the delights of fresh soil and wonky shaped carrots are long gone. However, Elmsleigh Centre in partnership with Urban Allotments and Vermeulens Garden Centre is aiming to change this by giving one local school the opportunity to win a raised bed allotment, seeds, gardening equipment and expert advice in order to create the perfect fruit and vegetable patch.

Until April 11th, all primary schools in the local area, including the Hythe Primary School, Bucklands Primary School and Stanwell Fields School, are competing to win with anyone able to vote once a day for their potential winner. The Elmsleigh Centre, themselves, hope that this latest scheme, one of many to come out of their “Get Staines Growing” campaign, will “halt the decline of knowledge and participation in home growing”. There’s no doubt that the idea of getting children out in the fresh air and active whilst developing new skills is no mean feat and now many local parents are praising the scheme. Sandra Williams, mother of two children currently attending the Hythe Primary School said “It’s a great opportunity for children to become interested in gardening and see firsthand where their food really comes from.” So get voting now at www.getschoolsgrowing.co.uk and join the revolution towards becoming green fingered!