A PROGRAMME encouraging children to grow fruit and vegetables then sell them is coming to Dorchester and Weymouth schools.

Local Food Links has teamed up with School Food Matters to launch the Young Marketeers scheme for the first time outside of London.

Young Marketeers provides a hands-on opportunity for school children to grow fruit and vegetables from seed to sell at their town's market.

It provides a platform to promote food education to schools and communities as well as supporting children to live healthier lives.

The five schools currently involved in the programme are Damers First School, Manor Park First School, Radipole Primary School, The Prince of Wales First School, and St Osmund’s Middle School.

Dela Foster, development manager at School Food Matters, said: "We're thrilled children in Dorset are becoming Young Marketeers this year.

"Having the chance to grow and harvest your own food is a vital life experience that every child should have."