SCHOOLS in the Cotswolds are joining in a countrywide initiative to get children off their computer screens and into the garden.

Sow & Grow, a new campaign aimed at promoting healthy eating and food education, was set up by Innocent Drinks company and not-for-profit organisation Grow It Yourself (GIY).

10 schools in the Cotswolds are taking part: Cirencester Deer Park, St Christopher's Primary in Lechlade, Hatherop Castle, Meysey Hampton C of E Primary, Rendcomb College's junior school, Kemble Primary, St Mary's C of E Primary in Tetbury, Northleach C of E Primary, Sherton Primary and Malmesbury Primary.

In addition, more than 6,000 schools across the country have joined the campaign.

Sow & Grow involves pupils taking part in gardening lessons to learn where their food comes from and to have fun growing their own vegetables.

Michael Kelly, founder of social enterprise GIY said: "It’s a fact that food growers have a better understanding of nutrition and eat more fruit and veg.

"Over the years we have repeatedly seen how even the simplest food-growing experience can make children passionate about what they eat, and help them develop a greater understanding and ‘food empathy’.

"That’s why we’re so happy to see schools in the South West area involved."

Innocent brand manager, Sim Viney said that the benefits were far from just a bit of fresh air: "We know that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruit and veg, and that kids who develop healthy habits at a young age are more likely to become healthy adults.

"At the moment nine out of ten young people are not getting their five-a-day, so we’ve started a campaign called Sow & Grow, which will get a quarter of all primary school kids growing veg in their classrooms, and learning where their food comes from.

"We’re hoping the campaign itself will grow in future years - our ultimate goal is to get every primary school child in the country to experience growing their own veg."

If your school is signed up, upload your photos at https://innocentsowandgrow.com to be in with the chance to win monthly prizes from Innocent and see your classroom crowned as Sow & Grow champions.