YOUNGSTERS at schools across the district are being given the chance to showcase the results of their green-fingered skills.

Haworth gardener Steve Thorpe is staging an annual event which spotlights the horticultural handiwork of pupils.

But for the first time, instead of entries being judged at a show, schools are being asked to submit photos of their produce.

And TV gardener and presenter, Alan Titchmarsh, is being asked to select winners.

"We usually hold the event at a different school each year and judging is on the day but this time we are doing it slightly differently," said Mr Thorpe.

"Normally about seven or eight schools from throughout the Bradford district take part, however we're trying to build it up.

"We want to get the message across that the event is about having fun, it's the taking part that matters.

"Wonderful things are happening growing-wise in our schools and this is a chance to show that.

"Some fantastic veg is being produced, which is being used in school meals.

"We have several different competition categories covering a range of things, to cater for everyone."

Categories include best basket of veg, best veg in show, best group of potatoes, longest runner bean, longest carrot, biggest marrow, heaviest cabbage and strangest and wackiest veg.

Schools should take photos and measurements of their entries and e-mail them to gardening@steve-thorpe.co.uk.

"We have about half a dozen schools taking part so far but we welcome more – the more the better," said Mr Thorpe, who works with eight primary schools, giving gardening tuition to eager pupils.

More details can be obtained from Mr Thorpe on 07969 658743.