Royal Horticultural Society five-star award for Crossroads Primary School
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The planting and growing efforts of pupils at a rural Caithness school have been recognised with a top accolade from the UK's leading gardening charity.
The Royal Horticultural Society presented Crossroads primary with its Five-Star Gardening School award, reflecting the work carried out in the school garden and playground.
The children planted fruit and vegetables and used them in the school kitchen, then sold on any excess produce to the wider community through an honesty box.
Part of the criteria was that the youngsters could talk enthusiastically about the award. Nine-year-old Lexie described it as "amazing", while Dylan, also aged nine, suggested that Crossroads could share its experience with other schools so they could achieve success too.
Eleven-year-old Lewis said it had been worthwhile after the hard work of planting and weeding in the wind and rain. Caleb, also 11, said he enjoyed when the pupils set up and managed their honesty box – looking to see the produce being used and receiving donations was fun, he added.
The pupils also said they hoped to keep working in the garden, and they were proud to help the environment by planting and using local produce.
Head teacher Pauline Pearson said: "We are immensely proud of all the children's hard work in achieving this award. Many thanks to the community for their support in this endeavour."
