SCHOOLCHILDREN who took part in the Farnham in Bloom schools’ competition were commended on their creativity and hard work when judges recently assessed their entries.

The Mayor of Farnham, David Attfield, was joined by Farnham Town Council (FTC) officers to judge the hanging baskets and the flower in a boot competition.

Mr Attfield judged the hanging baskets category, selecting Badshot Lea Village Infant School as the winner.

He said: “It was a tough decision but the children at Badshot Lea have managed to get excellent consistency across all five of their baskets, which were bursting with colourful blooms.

“The children in all the schools are clearly passionate about their gardening; it made judging a hard job as the standard across entries was so high.”

In all, 16 schools entered the hanging baskets category. Just behind Badshot Lea and receiving silver was The Ridgeway School, with Folly Hill Infant School in bronze position.

First prize in the Best Flower in a Boot category went to Potters Gate C of E Primary School.

FTC officers judged entries to the Best Scarecrow category and Best School Garden. The Best Scarecrow prize was won by The Abbey School, and Badshot Lea Village Infant School won gold in the Best School Garden competition.

The scarecrows are now on display in Lion and Lamb Yard, while hanging baskets planted by schoolchildren in May are currently on show and brightening up Central car park.

The schools’ competition is a key part of Farnham in Bloom as involving and inspiring all sections of the community, including children, is integral to the aims of the In Bloom campaign.

Entries came from schools covering all age groups, from nurseries up to secondary school age, and schools catering for children with special needs.

As well as participation from schools, Farnham in Bloom ran free gardening workshops for children during school holidays to get as many youngsters involved in hands-on gardening as possible.

Sponsorship from principal sponsor Specsavers in Farnham, as well as numerous other sponsors and sponsors-in-kind, keeps many of the In Bloom events and activities free to take part in.