A SCHEME encouraging children to grow their own produce is set to take root in Dorchester.

Waitrose began its national Grow and Sell scheme this year and the county town’s store is taking part.

The initiative aims to inspire seven to 11-year-olds to grow their own produce during the summer months and sell it, helping them to learn where food comes from and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Grow and Sell kits will be available to schools to get their veg patches up and running.

The kits, supplied by family business Seed Pantry, contain vegetable seeds, equipment, step-by-step growing instructions and badges for children to designate roles for both the growing and selling elements of the scheme.

A new feature in the kits this year is also the inclusion of wildflower seeds, which aim to help boost the number of bees, butterflies and other pollinators in school hedgerows.

Waitrose has also developed an educational app that allows children, parents and teachers to access information on where their food comes from, how it’s produced and the importance of environment and seasonality.

Branch manager at Dorchester’s Waitrose store Chris Parry said: “Having seen the success of last year’s project, it gives us great pleasure to be able to offer the Grow and Sell kits to twelve schools or childrens’ groups such as the Scouts in the Weymouth and Dorchester area this year.

“We hope it will encourage children to choose to eat well, and inspire entrepreneurial minds to flourish.”

The campaign is being supported by gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh, who has been working with Waitrose to raise the profile of British horticulture and agriculture.

He said: “The expansion of the Waitrose Grow and Sell scheme will mean that even more children can benefit from learning about the food they eat.”

Mr Parry said: “If your school or group is in the Weymouth or Dorchester area and you would like to apply for a kit, please register your interest by emailing Melanie Roberts at 120.pcm@waitrose.co.uk 

"The kits are due into branch in March and it will be first come, first served.”