STUDENTS sprang into action at Weymouth College to prepare for their annual plant sale.

The green-fingered youngsters spent weeks cultivating a colourful array of blooms, baskets and pot plants.

The sale opened to the public yesterday and continues for the next fortnight.

Garden shop instructor Trish Lea said: "The Garden Shop has done much to enhance the work experience for the students as well as providing college staff and the surrounding community with fantastic plants and organic vegetables at very reasonable prices.

"We look forward to another successful season, many of our customers return year after year to support us."

Students on entry and pre-vocational programmes in work preparation, support at work, life skills and directions tackled a variety of tasks for the sale.

The students sowed seeds, potted plants and made hanging baskets. The students also demonstrated their ICT skills by producing descriptive plant care posters to guide customers in the garden area and help to distribute publicity leaflets to advertise the sale.

The college's garden shop is open throughout the year during term-time selling organic vegetables, local produce and Fair Trade goods. It provides experience for students in customer care, money management, health and safety, and helps improve their literacy. The plant sale helps to create a sense of achievement for the students involved.