YOUNGSTERS at a nursery have been showing off their green fingers as they work in the site's herb garden.

Pupils at Carlisle's Kingmoor Nursery School spent Monday working alongside the school's caretaker, Mr Smith, to transfer their herbs they had grown from seed into the school's herb beds.

They also planted some potted plants that had been donated to the school.

Kingsmoor's outdoor education lead, Nikki Hall, explained that teaching the youngsters gardening was a vital part of the school's curriculum.

She said: "We garden right through the school from nursery to year two. It's a massive part of what we do. We try and tie it in with everything we do here.

"It helps the children's wellbeing, and it helps with maths, science, literacy. We really focus on it especially at this time of year.

"Not many schools do it. We're really pleased to get on board with it and promote gardening and independence to the children. They really benefit from it. It's a popular part of the school's offering.

"We've got three large beds for flowers and herbs. The kids love it and take really big responsibility, and our parents are very supportive."

The focus on outdoor learning also helps the school and the children connect with the community - this week classes have been working alongside Morrisons delivering "seeds of hope," including sunflowers and more.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed - they were recently given a five star award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

To achieve the award, the school had to prove pupils could talk about the garden and inform others of the plants growing, as well as any projects they had done.

They also had to share the garden with the community, demonstrate their gardening skills, and use those skills in the community.

They also had to use the garden as much as they can - which Kingsmoor certainly do!