A COMMUNITY support officer has put his horticultural skills to good use by forming an after-school gardening club.

CSO Paul Leighton, from the Ross Rural Local Policing Team, started the club at Kings Caple Primary School with the help of teacher Clare Jones. He is assisted by PC Wendy Powell and CSO Lisa Austin.

The club now has 19 members aged between five and 11 and they have developed a wildlife garden, grown fruit and vegetables and planted a variety of shrubs.

“The youngsters are a great group and really enjoy what they are doing,” said CSO Leighton.

“Their enthusiasm is exhausting and their input commendable.

“It has created a close and friendly relationship between police, parents and staff, which can only have benefits all round.”

Headteacher Gill Thompson said: “This is a brilliant way of allowing police to integrate with the younger community in a very relaxed and friendly way and build bridges.

“Our pond area and school gardens are now looking lovely and we can’t wait to sample the produce from our vegetable garden.

“This has been a wonderful initiative.”