A group of children from the school were given a plot on the Rublees allotment – by Steyning Allotments Association – to grow their own produce.

The chair of the association, Shelley Marks-Thomson, contacted the school to suggest the idea and it was taken up by Christine Humphreys from Steyning Grammar.

Christine said: "I decided to start it, because I think it's good to bring them out and it's good for them to learn about growing things."

An 'asset' to the community

The scheme has been up-and-running since February and, since then, the boys working the allotment have grown a wide range of produce, including lettuces, radishes, cabbages, onions, leeks, runner beans and raspberries.

They take some of the produce home to their parents and give some to the school.

Shelley said: "The plot was completely derelict when they moved in.

"They have been a real asset.

"People love having them here."

Grow your own

Year-nine pupil Jim McKeever has been going to the allotment since the scheme started.

He said: "It's calming and we get to grow our own stuff and help other people.

"I grew some petunias from seed and gave them to my mum and she put them right next to the window."

Kieran Budd is in year 11 and now wants to be a gamekeeper when he leaves school.

Looking to the future

"It's good just being outside," said Kieran.

"It's nice to eat something when you know you've grown it yourself."

Fabian Mowatt, 15, has been keeping his mum well stocked since he started working on the allotment.

"This could be of help to me in my future life," he said.

Commitment

Ben King, inclusion manager for Steyning Grammar, said: "The boys have come down twice a week during the summer and once a week during the winter.

"It's good to see that young people can do something positive and to show youngsters in a positive light to the wider community.

"The commitment they have shown has been great."

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