SCHOOLS have won cash prizes in a gardening competition.

The winners of the Grow with Esh contest were announced at Durham's Botanic Garden, with a total of £20,000 shared by 20 schools.

Pupils reported to the Esh Charitable Trust on the progress of their gardens throughout the summer, with photographs, diaries and visits.

First prize of £3,000 went to Wensleydale Middle School, in Blyth.

Tudhoe Grange Technology College, in Spennymoor, was one of four runners-up.

Consett Community Sports College was awarded £250, after pupils won joint third place in a scheme aimed at helping children develop gardening projects at their school.

Judge Bill Sones, of Sones Landscaping, said: "Grow with Esh is a fantastic scheme. It has been a catalyst not only for some wonderful gardens. There have been a raft of spin offs - vegetable growing, setting up of a small business, innovative and creative work through school departments such as maths and art and of course, lots of work with communities."