YOUNGSTERS are being invited to take part in a contest to grow their own pumpkins and sunflowers this summer.

The fun competition is being run by Durham County Council to introduce children to gardening and plant biology, as well as raising awareness of home composting.

The council's waste management unit is offering free seeds to schools and children who want to try to grow the tallest sunflower or heaviest pumpkin.

The aim is for children to grow a seedling at school or at home, replant it in the garden and look after it during the summer and autumn. The growers of the heaviest pumpkin and tallest sunflower will each win £100 for their school to spend on outdoor teaching resources, a home compost bin and £50 to spend on outdoor play equipment for themselves.

The competition is part of scheme to raise awareness in schools of compost - the county council is offering up to three free compost bins to schools in the county.

To qualify, teachers must go to a short session.

They will be provided with free activity packs containing games and information about composting in school time and at home.

To enter the competition and collect free seeds, phone Suzanne Williamson at Durham County Council on 0191-383-5553.