GREEN-fingered children from Malvern are being encouraged to take part in a charity gardening challenge.

Youngsters in the town are being asked to grow the fattest sunflower face this summer, to raise money for Barnado's children's charity. Parents, guardians and teachers are invited to order a packet of seeds so that youngsters can take part in Potter and Rest's competition.

Peter Burks, horticultural expert said: “Last year we ran a competition for children to grow the smiliest plants around and it was so popular that we have decided to run it again.

“We’re asking children to get involved and grow the sunflower with the fattest face and the seeds youngsters will use have been bred especially to have large flower heads.

“We know that many schools have gardening clubs and we would love it if they could get involved too. As well as entering our competition they could have their own in-house one too.”

The competition is a fundraiser for Barnado’s, as a £1 donation is made when ordering seeds.

The money goes to the charity that transforms the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Sue Westbury, head of Barnardo’s regional fundraising, added: “With support from companies such as Potter and Rest we are able to run more than 960 vital services across the UK."

There are two titles to be won – regional winner and national winner. The five regional winners each receive a £10 Potter and Rest voucher and a certificate, while the national winner receives a £50 voucher for themselves, and their school.

To take part visit the potterandrest.co.uk/products/sunflower-competition-seeds.