YOUNGSTERS have been discovering how the garden grows - on the top deck of a bus.

Members of the School Council of Framwellgate Moor Primary School learned about composting when they climbed aboard a double-decker in Durham Market Place yesterday.

The bus, which is on a national tour as part of Compost Awareness Week, has been transformed into a rooftop garden, complete with a range of plants and shrubs in window boxes, planters and hanging baskets, all using peat-free compost.

It also has a seating area made from recycled materials.

The bus aims to show people how easy it is to transform common garden waste, such as grass cuttings, prunings and leaves, into high-quality compost, using a home composting bin or collection and recycling services.

Local composting experts were on board to give hints and tips.

Gardeners are encouraged to choose reduced peat or peat-free composts containing recycled materials for their garden, tubs and baskets.

As part of a drive to promote home composting, people in County Durham are being offered composters at a reduced rate - and in some cases for free.

A 220-litre bin is available free, 330-litre bins are £5 and 600-litre bins £15. They can be ordered by calling 0845 077 0757.