20 primary school children have linked up with retirement village residents in an enchanting sunflower growing project.

The children, from Stow Primary School, teamed up with residents of Beechwood Park to show off their flair for gardening in a "green-fingered potting session" of sunflower seeds.

Matt Cotton, general manager of Beechwood Park, who oversaw the activities, said: “We have forged a really strong relationship with Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School, and it was a joy to welcome so many children to the session.

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"The potting took place at our weekly coffee morning and the children and residents enjoyed chatting, planting the seeds and having a lovely morning together.

“The children are now set with the task of nurturing the sunflower seeds and once they begin to grow, we’ll hold a planting session where we will transfer them to the surrounds of the lawn outside Wintergreen Court here at Beechwood Park for everyone to enjoy.

"It’s certainly put a spring in all our steps, after all, who doesn’t love a happy, cheerful sunflower.”

Rebecca Scutt, the school's headteacher, said: "It’s a joy to expand on our relationship with Beechwood Park – we’ve done lots of activities together and each time it strengthens the community spirit in Stow.

"The children had a wonderful time whilst also learning about the cycle of seed to plant – I don’t think they realised how educational it was, they just had lots of fun which is what learning should be.

"The children are very keen to take good care of the potted seeds and we can’t wait to see the first shoots pop through.

"They’re very much looking forward to being able to plant the sunflowers at Beechwood Park and I’m sure they’ll be an element of healthy competition in who can grow the tallest."