THESE green-fingered children have been crowned champions of the prestigious Rayleigh in Bloom competition despite their tender years.

Fairview Under-Fives beat off fierce competition, from both fellow pre-schools and primary schools across the district, with their Beatrix Potter-themed Mr McGregor’s garden.

Every detail has been captured from mischievous Peter Rabbit’s blue coat, to the scarecrow and even a robin perching on the garden fork.

The 54 children at the pre-school, in Uplands Park Road, Rayleigh, began planning the project back in February with help of gardening enthusiast and deputy manager Angela King.

She said: “All the children have worked exceptionally hard. First they chose the theme then by exploring and tasting lots of different fruit and vegetables they picked exactly what they wanted to grow. Everything - from the strawberries to the lettuces - has been planted by them.

“They worked in pairs so know exactly which part of the garden they have each created. Four months ago the plot was just grass and all the pre-school had was two planters. The staff were determined that would change but being a charity and relying on donations it wasn’t easy, which makes the accomplishment so impressive.”