PUPILS are being encouraged to get their hands dirty in their school garden.

Get Schools Blooming is an online educational resource which aims to encourage and support local primary schools to create and actively use a school garden.

Schools that register for the scheme will receive a free starter pack and can work towards rewards by achieving benchmark criteria.

The project was launched by Shrewsbury in Bloom in conjunction with Greenfields Primary School.

Schools must be within the Shrewsbury area to apply and only one registration per primary school is permitted.

Cllr Jackie Brennand, chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom, said: “We are delighted to be launching this online learning resource for Shrewsbury primary schools.

“Taking part in the scheme will provide a sense of community pride and involvement with the ultimate aim to become a Shrewsbury in Bloom accredited school.

“The pack has been carefully designed, with the help of Greenfields Primary School, so that it fits in with what pupils are already learning.”

Go to www.shrewsburyinbloom.co.uk to register or for further information.