HUNDREDS of children across the city have been rewarded for the smart use of their green fingers.

There were 22 entries in this year's Southampton in Bloom schools' competition, which encourages youngsters to garden and learn about the natural environment.

Organiser Ian Bailey said: "As with every year the standard was very high and judging was quite difficult.

"Garden for Learning was won by St Patrick's in Woolston, the wildlife category went to St Monica's Primary in Sholing, and Glenfield Infants won the Container Gardening category with their very patriotic display called Green for the Queen with lots of teacups planted with flowers."

A judges' commendation prize was given to Rosewood Free School for their Garden for Learning, as well as a prize for solo gardening to a pupil at Ludlow Infants.

Judges were Carol Ceunio and Mary Carnegie and certificates and trophies were given out by Sue Blatchford.

The award is supported by Southampton City Council.