Youngsters have been sharing their green-fingered tips with a leading gardening expert.

Jim Buttress, former Royal Gardener and horticultural judge on the BBC TV’s The Big Allotment Challenge, headed up the judging panel for this year's Ruxley in Bloom competition, run by the centre in Sidcup.

This year, Ruxley asked schools within 20 miles of the centre to send in a photo of their Best School Themed Container, asking them to focus on creating something colourful, creative and fun.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, instead of the usual awards ceremony at the centre, Jim personally visited the schools to award them with their prizes.

The children showed Jim around their school gardens, showing him what they have been growing this year.

The winners were Muddy Puddles Childminders in Crockenhill with second prize going to St James RC Primary School while Broomhill Bank North School came third.

Other parts of the competition are still open for entries. Judges are looking for the best front garden, both seasonal container or permanent displays, and the best back garden.

There's also prizes for the best allotment plot, overall allotment site, displays by shops, businesses, pubs and restaurants and another section for community gardens.

There's also the Ruxley Manor Golden Trowel Award for an individual who has shown a genuine commitment to gardening who deserves to be recognised.

It could be someone who has overcome personal adversity to create a garden, or a neighbour who helps to maintain someone else's garden.

Send a photo entry by August 5. More details at www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford