Children from across Croydon will host a one-day fruit and veg market next week, selling produce grown in their own schools.

Ten schools will set up stalls at Croydon clocktower next Thursday, offering fresh food cultivated in their own plots, as well as other products they have made.

This is the fourth year the Council has hosted the schools' marketplace, which aims to tackle obesity by educating children about the benefits of nutritious food.

Proceeds from all sales are reinvested into food growing projects at the schools, as efforts continue to improve the health of children in a borough where one in three are overweight or obese when they reach primary school.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning: “Well done to all the Croydon pupils who have worked hard to cultivate this amazing crop of fruit and vegetables.

"It is great to hear the children tell us how much they enjoy learning about growing their own food and sharing their learning with their families.

"The schools’ marketplace also helps to equip them with business skills and increases their confidence as they liaise with the public on the day.”

Established by the Croydon Food Flagship programme, the schools’ marketplace is a partnership between the council, the Mayor of London and Department for Education to work with schools, in communities and with businesses to get more residents eating healthier meals and growing their own food.

The School Food Matters charity worked with three schools throughout the year, helping them prepare for market day.

Their 'know your onions' project, took students through the process of planting and growing vegetables, to learning how to cook them in a simple and effective way.

Dela Foster, School Food Matters development manager, said: "Having the opportunity to market and sell their food is a completely unique experience which empowers them to believe in their ability to create a product from scratch."

Children from Bensham Manor School, Forestdale Primary School, Meridian High School, St Marys Catholic Primary Schools Trust and Beulah Junior School are participating as part of Food Flagship programme.

Broadmead Primary School, Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Shirley High School, Smitham Primary School and The Link Secondary School are also taking part.

The stalls will be open between 1pm and 2.30pm on Thursday July 11 inside Croydon Clocktower.