A GREEN-FINGERED four-year-old is aiming high after his sunflower outgrew those of all of his classmates.

Callum Jones' sunflower grew from a seed to 62cm tall in two months, beating the efforts of 23 other youngsters.

The children, from Belmont Pre-School, Durham, nurtured the plants to raise money for St Cuthbert's Hospice, as part of the hospice's Go Yellow month.

Since the sponsored event closed early last month, Callum's sunflower has grown to 170cm (5ft 6in).

His mother, Ashleigh Jones, said: "Callum watered the plant all himself. He looked after it and enjoyed it. He is very proud. He must have a green touch I don't have."

Pre-school manager Debbie Scotter became involved in the fundraising project because her mother, who died in January, received care at St Cuthbert's Hospice.

Mrs Scotter said: "It has been absolutely wonderful. It was lots of fun, with the children bringing in photographs of their plants back at home.

"I am so proud of everybody for lending their support to me and the hospice."

The total amount raised by the sponsored grow is not yet known.