HALTON schoolchildren are invited to take part in Widnes Horticulural Society's annual show for the first time in its 53-year history.

Pupils will be given free space to display their home grown fruit and vegetables and they could win cash for their school.

The Society has received more than £700 from Halton Council, through the Broad Heath, Ditton, Hale and Hough Green local area forum to cultivate children’s interest in gardening.

It is also hoped the show at Ditton Community Centre, on Sunday, September 7, will encourage their parents and grandparents to enter.

Show Secretary,Edward Hughes said: "In these times of belt-tightening, it makes sense for people to grow something for their own kitchen.

Even people who may have limited space where they live can grow their favorite plants for home use, in a pot on their kitchen window sill.

"It is good for the environment as your fruit and vegetables don't have to travel thousands of miles to get to you and you can learn so much about our world by giving horticulture a go.”

Prizes of £100, £50, and two of £25 will be awarded to the winning schools.

The show is is open to the public from 2pm to 4.30pm.

The competition is aimed at children who are currently in year five.

They can also draw pictures of horticultural subjects, such as fruit, flowers, plants or vegetables.

For more details, call 0151 424 3406 or visit widnesdistricthorticulturalsociety.com.