A GOVERNMENT minister helped children sow seeds for the future during a visit to a green-fingered primary school.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander was put to work in the garden at Cassop Primary School, in County Durham.

The school has been recognised as one of the greenest in the country, with wind turbines, solar panels and a cabinet full of environmental awards.

Mr Alexander helped out in the school’s vegetable patch, where youngsters were planting next year’s crop. He was also given a tour of the school, including its sustainability centre, which was opened last year by his ministerial colleague, Kevin Brennan.

Mr Alexander said: “Our children understand that climate change affects us all, including developing countries and they care that some children can’t pull themselves out of poverty.

“That’s why it’s great that schools like Cassop joined a Global School Partnership – to make a difference.”