STAFF, pupils and parents at Churchfields Juniors today celebrated the official opening of their new school garden.

Children at the South Woodford primary have been working hard since December last year on their playground patch, which was previously nothing more than a "dusty wasteland" according to one teacher.

But now the garden is full of flowers, fruit and vegetables, and a special after-school party was held this afternoon to mark its remarkable transformation.

Year three teacher Alyson Tyler, who came up with the idea along with learning support assistant Debbie Cracknell, said: "It's just been fantastic to see the hard work the children have put in all pay off. We've successfully grown potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, basil, radish and lots more.

"Three weeks ago we had our first harvest, and the children all took home some of the things they'd grown."

The pupils have been working on the garden as part of an after-school and lunchtime club called 'Green Fingers', made up of dozens of children throughout years three to six.

Ms Tyler added: "It has been great seeing children from different age groups working together and getting along."

Year three pupil Milli Izzard, aged eight, said: "I've really liked seeing the plants grow. I like gardening and when I'm at my granddad's house I always do gardening and help him water his plants.

"I'm looking forward to growing some more."

Year six pupil Sophia Wilson, aged 11, said: "It's been very interesting learning about new plants. The radishes I took home to eat tasted a lot nicer than usual ones.

"It's been good seeing how the plants develop, it's very rewarding."