THE gardening skills of students from Siddington School were put to the test over the summer holidays at the village summer show.

Members of the school’s well-attended gardening club entered their produce into the vegetable box category at Siddington Grow and Show and were awarded first and third place.

“The children were delighted,” said school administrator Christine Parris, who helps at the after-school club. “Several of the children went along to the show and were really excited.”

The club was set up in March of this year and has been supported by Dobbies and Waitrose, who offered seeds, soil, pots and equipment.

It is run by John Thomas, a member of the Siddington allotment society. “Mr Thomas gives up his time voluntarily and is full of great ideas,” said Mrs Parris. “We couldn’t run it without him.”

Waitrose in Cirencester has offered students the chance to sell their produce outside the store later in the year.