PUPILS reaping the rewards of their gardening work welcomed a famous green-fingered visitor to see their handiwork.

Top TV botanist David Bellamy was the guest of honour at the opening of a new school garden at St Anne’s Primary School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

The Year Six pupils at the school have developed their own business plan, entitled Green Fingers, to sell the produce grown in the new garden, and existing ones, to their families and friends, and donate some to charities.

Deputy headteacher, Lynne Sixsmith, who teaches the pupils, said the project had captured the childrens’ imagination, and many of them had gone onto grow fruit and vegetables at home.

"We are very excited at how far we have come with the project, and hope that future Year Six pupils will continue to develop it," she said.

The same year group also transformed the school into a replica French bistro for staff and family members as part of their Creative Curriculum studies.

The youngsters planned the event from scratch, and practised the language required to take food orders, greet guests, and serve drinks.

Parents and teaching assistants helped pupils in the kitchen prepare three mouth-watering courses.

Mrs Sixsmith added: "The event was a huge success, and the pupils were a credit to the school."