Budding gardeners are getting green-fingered following the launch of a new partnership at Kingston College.

The students from the college’s skills centre, where learners with a disability develop their skills, have been working alongside staff from Passiflora, which supplies and looks after the college’s plants.

The workers are sharing their knowledge and expertise and the company has donated plants for the students to work with.

Keith Mellor, a lecturer from the College’s North Kingston Centre site where Skills Centre students study, said: “We are always eager to establish worthwhile partnerships with businesses that can offer practical experience for our students.

“The students take responsibility for their particular tasks and are keen to ensure the job has been done thoroughly.”

Passiflora also donated a Christmas tree and make decorations with the students in December last year.

Olwen Douse of Passiflora said: “I have been amazed at the skills the students have gained in such a short time.

"Two or three usually help me ensure the plants are well maintained."