Judges heralded Singlegate primary school as blooming brilliant after it scooped a top London horticultural award.

A community effort to make the Colliers Wood school greener and leafier paid off as it was awarded the gold standard in this year’s London in Bloom contest.

Pupils, staff and residents living in and around South Gardens have all done their bit to transform the school, and have all learnt about caring for the environment in the process.

As part of the work, the school has opened its very own bio-station while fresh produce from a new fruit and vegetable garden has already been harvested and included in school lunches.

Singlegate’s deputy head, Chris Haycock, said: “We are really proud of the children and staff here at Singlegate who worked closely with the community on this project.

“To do so well on our first time in the competition shows how much effort we put in and the children really enjoyed themselves too.”

The school has already achieved a Green School Award with sustainability and the environment an important part of the children’s education.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Debbie Shears, said: “Competitions such as these enable children to learn the importance of environmental issues in a fun and exciting way.

“Merton schools did impressively well in this year’s competition with Liberty, Poplar and Wimbledon Park primary schools also getting awards. I look forward to seeing even more schools entering next year.”

The school also received special praise from Geoff Hyde, chairman of London in Bloom, on the high standard of their entry and the involvement of the entire school community.

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