RYDE children have been urged to brighten up their town by taking part in Ryde in Bloom.

A launch event, organised by Ryde Town Council, was held at Aspire Ryde and attended by children from Haylands Primary School, Dover Park Primary School and Fiveways.

They learnt to sow seeds with local allotment holder, George Rollason, and found out which plants attract bees, at a talk given by beekeeper Elizabeth Van Wyk.

The town council said the competition was an opportunity for people to brighten up their gardens and community spaces, and possibly win prizes for doing so.

This year's theme for Ryde in Bloom's schools' category will be 'healthy eating and healthy living.'

The launch event was supported by Tesco. The store's community champion, Jan Gibson, provided seeds, soil and equipment.

For entry forms, and more information, visit www.rydetowncouncil.org.uk

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