Thurlestone Primary School pupils have been growing vegetables and flowers in their new ‘Garden of Life’.

Pupils at All Saints Primary, Thurlestone, have been able to enjoy their outside space thanks to the work and fundraising by the Friends of Thurlestone School and parents.

Natasha Kostka, teaching assistant at the school, said: “The idea was driven by the FTS and a small group of dedicated parents, who worked very hard in their free time to clear the garden themselves, lay the gravel and make the raised beds.

“The wood, topsoil and plants were donated free of charge by David and Sharne, a couple who live locally. They don’t have any children in the school, but wished to make the donation as they believe learning about foods and growing things is so important to children.

“We have already been having discussions and planning sessions amidst the staff, deciding on how to best implement the garden into the curriculum, so that each year group benefits fully from having it on site.

“The overalls the children can wear to keep their uniform clean while in the garden were made by Elaine Hanmer-Grant, one of the parents from the FTS. Lots of gardening tools were also donated by the Devon Beach Company.

“An absolutely fantastic Team effort that the children are simply delighted by. The pupils have named the garden, ‘The Garden of Life’. We have planted courgettes, mini cucumbers, tomatoes, runner beans, marigolds, chard, basil and parsley!”