Three schools out of the thousands that took part in this season’s Grow Your Own Potatoes project have been rewarded for producing the heaviest crops of Vales Emerald and Rocket.

The Potato Council-led scheme, which signed up 10,000 schools, has concluded by recording the final weight of the crops.

Pollyplatt Community Primary School in Lincolnshire harvested 4,700g of Rocket, provided to schools by Cygnet PB, while pupils at St Paulinus C of E Primary School in Crayford, Dartford, and Sutton First School in Norwich each harvested 4,000g of Vales Emerald, provided by Greenvale AP.

Each school will receive a digital camera to celebrate their success.

Tracy Coult, project manager for the Potato Council, said: “Our congratulations go to the pupils of the winning schools who did a magnificent job in nurturing their plants. So too did all of the participating schools - many of whom produced potato crops exceeding 3,000g.

“The project was developed because we know that eating habits are formed at a young age. Messages that develop children’s knowledge, understanding and skills to make appropriate food choices and build positive attitudes to diet and health are essential, particularly as young families are the lowest users of potatoes. By learning about the health benefits of potatoes at a young age, the messages are likely to stay with them as they grow and can influence their own - and their families - diet and purchasing habits in the future.”

The Grow Your Own Potatoes project has continued to go from strength to strength, with many participating schools benefiting from visits and talks from growers, as well as practical advice.

Teacher Maggie Rose, of Pollyplatt Community Primary Schools, said: “The children have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to growing their own potatoes, and were really delighted with their results.”

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