An allotment project has just been launched at Hyrstmount Junior School in Highcliffe Road.

It consists of six separate plots in the school's garden.
Funding from the HSBC bank has helped get the project off the ground. Organisers hope it will not only get children thinking about where their food comes from and eating healthily, but also involve people from the community.

Jenny Charlton, co-ordinator of the scheme and learning mentor, has been out with pupils digging up the ground in preparation for planting after the Easter holidays.

Gardeners from Kirklees-based Grace Landscapes have also been helping and have pledged to contribute plants and seeds for vegetables and fruit.

Jenny said: "All the children will get the opportunity to plant, harvest and to sample the food. Food produced will be used at the breakfast club and in the school kitchen. They get to sample what they have grown. For example, strawberries they grow might go on top of their pudding.
"These days children don't know where food comes from. Some don't know chips come from potatoes."

Among the fruit and veg grown in the allotments will be potatoes, carrots, leaks, runner beans, and a variety of fruit.

As the project gets going, Jenny envisages pupils coming to school with the walking bus, dropping in at the breakfast club where they can sample their produce, and then having access to the allotment.

The allotment could form after-school activities.
Green-fingered people from the community will also be invited to join in with the work and take home some of the produce.

Jenny said: "It teaches the children traditional skills of horticulture and also promotes community cohesion.
"I think it's absolutely marvellous. The children are really excited about it. They will get into the full swing of it when they start the digging process."

Pupils from Batley Girls' High School will also help.