Fae's flower-bed design in full bloom

More than 120 children from King Edward School and Sutton Road Primary School took part in the Mansfield District Council-run competition to design a showcase flower-bed and produced numerous ideas packed with colour.

Seven-year-old Fae Hyatt, from Sutton Road Primary School, was chosen by judges as the overall winner.

Along with her fellow classmates, she was invited to help create her winning design in the heart of the town’s Titchfield Park in the run-up to East Midlands in Bloom 2016.

Fae’s winning design, complete with a plaque with her name on, can be seen in the flowerbed near the busy petanque court area and pavilion.

Park visitors will be able to admire the design throughout the summer as the flowers should bloom right through until the first frosts in October.

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We were overwhelmed by the standard of entries for the competition this year.

“Mansfield District Council has been running this competition annually for more than ten years now but this year has seen a record number of entries.

“It’s encouraging to see so many children want to get involved in shaping their local park. By taking part they learn so much about colour, design, plants and the environment.”

Jim Wakeland, assistant head teacher at Sutton Road Primary School, added: “The children love coming to Titchfield Park whatever time of the year it is, and many of the year groups come to see the changes over the different seasons.

“We also work on projects with Maun Conservation Group in the local area.

“They have learned so much by taking part in the competition as they have been able to combine their art skills with their love of the environment.”

Fae’s new planting design will be one of the many flower beds shown to judges of the East Midlands in Bloom competition when they visit the area later this month.