AN APPEAL for small gardening tools and flowerpots to distribute to local schools, has brought an overwhelming response from Sidmouth residents.

AN APPEAL for small gardening tools and flowerpots to distribute to local schools, has brought an overwhelming response from Sidmouth residents.

Joy Seward, president of Sidmouth in Bloom, pictured centre with committee members Jan Beavis and David Baker, said: "It is amazing how many people dropped in small tools and different sized pots to Dukes after the appeal in the Sidmouth Herald.

"We have had so many David will be helping to sort them out for the various schools.

"We are so grateful to all the folk who donated them, some of which are quite heavy stone pots, and it is lovely to think the community is working with us."

Sidmouth in Bloom committee works with Sidmouth and Sidbury schools each year to provide colourful flower beds at Connaught Gardens, as well as encouraging pupils to grow their own flowers and vegetables.

"We have several ideas for the children, now they are back at school, and will be going to various schools to talk to teachers about what we have in mind as well as distributing the pots and tools," said Joy.