YOUNGSTERS are hoping to reap what they sow after planting wild flowers in a city centre park to attract bees.

There was a buzz around Cripplegate Park as children from the gardening club at Dines Green Community Primary School transformed an old flowerbed into a haven for bees.

Linda Sammonds, after school gardening club co-ordinator, explained that the children had learned that the bee population had been in decline.

"They have found out about it in the classroom and seen it on the news and they know how important bees are for pollination and how important it was to have bees and other insects if you are planting flowers."

Nine pupils in year five and year six chose a special collection of wildflower seeds which were particularly beneficial to insects.

The club have been working alongside Michelle Newell, community engagement officer and park warden, Cripplegate Park keeper Darren Hobbs and horticultural team leader Gary Smith.

At their school on Tudor Way, they have already created a wildflower area and also grow their own fruit and vegetables.

"I have been running the club for seven years and with every group I always think what an amazing bunch of children we have.

"They choose to work through dinner times to keep the weeds out of the flowerbeds or water the flowers so we can concentrate on other activities when we meet up.

"It's great to know they could create an interest in gardening for life or even a career."