PRE-SCHOOL tots thanked Sidmouth Garden Centre for donating large pots, bags of compost and packets of wildlife friendly flower seeds to Sidford Playgroup.

A project aimed at highlighting the importance of keeping healthy is now under way.

Play leader Caroline Vansittart said: “The children absolutely loved getting their fingers mucky with compost and planting the seeds. They have enjoyed watering the plants daily and watching them grow; they have taken really good care of them.”

Emily Hale, three, who attends the pre-school three times a week, and her mum also donated tomato, peas and nasturtium seeds.

Caroline added: “We’ve been teaching the children about healthy eating and how things grow this term, so this task has really brought the project to life. It’s been a huge success as all the children have been involved and it’s got them talking which helps with their communication and social skills.

“We’d like to express our grateful thanks to the garden centre for supporting our project and we appreciate their very generous donation. We’re hoping to participate in the tallest sunflower competition which they run each year.”

Sidford Playgroup is held in Sidford Social Hall on weekday mornings during term time from 9.30am to12.30pm. It aims to provide all children that attend with a range of interesting pre-school activities appropriate for their age and stage of development.

Places are available for September 2012.

Call Caroline on 07966 953096 for more information.