Parents and children at Sidmouth Primary School had a ‘brilliant’ time gardening as they took part in a family ‘ground force’ day.

Sidmouth Herald: Vince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry IfeVince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Volunteers got their hands dirty as they cut back willows, dug out rose beds, erected a fence and pulled out weeds in order to create an outdoor learning centre.

The event had a £2,000 boost after the school secured a grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme, which puts the five-pence plastic bag levy to use in the community.

Outdoor learning supervisor Jack Woolfenden said: “It was brilliant. We were surprised with how many people turned up.

“We cleared an area of the school for outdoor learning and then we had a barbeque.

Sidmouth Herald: Vince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry IfeVince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“Thanks to all the parents and children who came along.” Clare Fegan, the school’s head of teaching and learning, thanked Olivia Cracknell for organising the Tesco grant application and all the shoppers who voted for the school.

Sidmouth Herald: Vince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry IfeVince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Vince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry IfeVince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Vince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry IfeVince Thorne digs out a post hole at the family ground force day. Ref shs 13-17TI 9401. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)