GREEN-fingered youngsters at a Worcestershire school have had their achievements recognised by taking a top national award.

The pupils at Defford-cum-Besford First School have achieved the eco green flag, which is the pinnacle in gardening for schools across the country.

Headteacher Janet Brown said much hard work had gone into achieving the accolade.

"Previously we had achieved the bronze and silver awards and it has taken us four years to get to this level," she said.

"We teach the youngsters the importance of the garden and we grow lots of produce including tomatoes, sweetcorn and runner beans."

She added that the award is also tied into the eco schools project, which encourages healthy eating.

The garden also includes many flowers and a pond and is certainly a haven for the pupils as well as wildlife.

"It is a quiet place for the children where they do many other activities including drawing and knitting," added Ms Brown.

BBC Hereford and Worcester gardening expert Reg Moule, who lives near the school, visited yesterday to present the green flag, which now flies proudly on its roof.