GREEN-fingered pupils at Four Marks Primary School have been given a helping hand by CALA Homes.

The house builder, currently working on the Medstead Grange development on Lymington Bottom Road, has donatedgardening equipment and accessories to the school in support of National Gardening Week, which ends on Sunday.

As well as gardening tools, including spades, trowels, rakes, watering cans and gloves, the school received an insect sculpture hotel and wildlife-attracting seeds to encourage wildlife into the school gardens.

Veronica Stoodley, headteacher at Four Marks Primary School, said: “We are thrilled with this kind donation from CALA Homes, which is a great way to get the children more involved in gardening. Children can learn new skills, have fun and develop self-confidence by spending time in the garden, which is something we actively encourage.

“This new equipment will help get the children engaged with the school gardens as well as create a more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Alison Deakin, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes (Thames), said: “Creating beautiful places to live is at the heart of what we do and gardens can play an important role in our sense of wellbeing.

“National Gardening Week is all about encouraging new gardeners so we thought it would be a great opportunity to help encourage younger generations to get involved and develop a passion for gardening.

“We’re delighted to be able to support Four Marks Primary School and hope the children enjoy using the new equipment.”

National Gardening Week was launched six years ago by the Royal Horticultural Society and since then has grown into the country’s biggest celebration of gardening. This year’s theme focuses on inspiring new gardeners to get involved in growing plants and flowers.