Croydon’s popular schools’ marketplace returned yesterday (July 11) with bags of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs on offer.

Pupils from 10 schools across the borough, including three food flagship schools – Rockmount and Fairchildes primary schools, and Meridian High – set up their market stalls in Croydon Clocktower on Katharine Street.

The stalls ran from 1pm to 2.30pm.

All produce on sale was grown by the children at their schools with support from charity School Food Matters.

Proceeds from the day will be reinvesited into the schools’ food growing projects.

Mayor of Croydon, councillor Toni Letts, attended with cabinet members Louisa Woodley and Alisa Flemming.

The marketplace is an initiative designed by the Croydon Food Flagship, set up by the council, Mayor of London and Department for Education.

Councillor Louisa Woodley said: “Sticking to a healthy diet is important for everyone to help prevent a number of illnesses, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

“The marketplace initiative is an excellent way for the children to show others the fruits of their labour,” she added.

Councillor Alisa Flemming said: “We are pleased to help our pupils take the learning from their food-growing classes one step further by selling the produce to residents and local shoppers.

“The Food Flagship has supported Croydon schools in may ways, including producing a School Fund Food Plan for the borough and offering staff training in food preparation.

“This has led to healthier menus at breakfast and afterschool clubs and lunchtimes.

“It has also resulted in an increase in the number of kids eating school meals.”