An allotment scheme for schools is being launched by a Bolton retail park.

Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park is sponsoring a scheme that will give a primary and a secondary school the chance of first-hand experience in agriculture by winning a miniature allotment at their school.

The retail park, which recently linked up with The Bolton News for the Green Heroes competition, aims to give children a more hands-on approach to their food and a better understanding of where good produce comes from.

Heather Ingham, Middlebrook manager, said: "We decided to launch the scheme after hearing press reports that claimed over a third of kids in the UK didn't even know that chips came from potatoes.

"We want to get children interested in what they eat, while getting them out in the fresh air. What better way is there than showing them how to grow their own food?"

Pupils will be involved in the planning and the design of allotments, the germination of plants, planting regimes and crop rotation as well as plant maintenance.

The prize includes three raised beds, materials, seeds and plants as well as gardening equipment.

Any children, parents or teachers interested in taking part should send contact details and a brief explanation as to why their school should win, to info@middlebrook-bolton.co.uk, or to Allotments Competition, Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park, 37 The Linkway, Horwich, Bolton, Lancashire, BL6 6JA.

The competition closes on July 20, and the winning schools will be announced in September in time for the new school year.