pupils in Waverley are among chidren from 1,384 schools across the South East swapping their computer screens for runner beans this spring.

It is all thanks to a new campaign aimed at promoting healthy eating and food education. Sow and Grow is an initiative set up by Innocent drinks and the not-for-profit organisation GIY (Grow It Yourself) to encourage children to get outside, stick their hands in some mud and get growing.

Junior and nursery pupils at The Royal School, Haslemere, kids at primary school in Grayshott and Easebourne, plus Shottermill Infants and seniors at Haslemere’s Woolmer Hill are taking part.

GIY?founder Michael Kelly said: “It’s a fact food growers have a better understanding of nutrition and eat more fruit and veg.

“Over the years, we have repeatedly seen how even the simplest food growing experience can make children passionate about what they eat, and help them develop a greater understanding and ‘food empathy’.

“That’s why we’re so happy to see schools in the south east involved.”

A survey undertaken by smoothie makers Innocent found 84 per cent of parents across the UK believe kids would be more open to eating fruit and veg if they knew where their food came from.

Brand manager Sim Viney said the benefits are far from just a bit of fresh air: “We know children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruit and veg, and kids who develop healthy habits at a young age are more likely to become healthy adults.

“At the moment nine-out-of-10 young people are not getting their five-a-day, so we’ve started Sow and Grow, which will get a quarter of all primary pupils growing veg in their classrooms, and learning where their food comes from.

“We’re hoping the campaign itself will grow in future years – our ultimate goal is to get every primary school child in the country to experience growing their own veg.”

• Upload photos at www. innocentsowandgrow.com/ to win monthly prizes.

Consumers can also win seed packs by following instructions on packs.