A community project is seeing young gardeners blossom in the Heartsease area of Norwich.

Heartsease Primary School's Gardening Club are in the process of creating a new garden area aided by an older generation of green fingered enthusiasts and local businesses.

Children aged eight to nine years from the school, in Rider Haggard Road, Heartsease, have been encouraged and directed by volunteers from Age UK Norwich, retired members of the Thorpe and District Gardening Club and the Friends of Norwich in Bloom.

The gardening club's Maureen Street said: 'This project has helped open up a new concept of intergenerational working in the community, the enthusiasm of the school children is wonderful.'

Starting in September 2011, Age UK Norwich and retired members of the gardening club began by teaching the children how to prepare a greenhouse and make 'bug boxes'.

Friends of Norwich in Bloom - volunteers who aim to improve the city environment through floral competitions and projects - were approached by Age UK Norwich and the gardening club, for help with tools.

Equipment was supplied by Godfrey DIY stores, supporters of Norwich in Bloom, while Sainsbury's on Pound Lane donated its surplus of unsold bulbs and tools to the cause.

Friends of Norwich in Bloom's schools liaison officer Jo Chiddick said: 'This intergenerational project is a brilliant idea. The benefits are very clear.

'It bridges the generation gap and enables children to grasp gardening skills at a young age and encourages them to question, understand and appreciate their environment. They can then put into practice what they have learned from the experience.

'Hands on gardening is inspiring both to the children and the community around them, giving them satisfaction and a sense of achievement.'

Elder Norwich in Bloom ambassador Bill Webster, 90, presented trowels and other equipment to the school and their gardening teacher Sophie Keen, who has announced the school is to enter into this year's Norwich in Bloom Schools Competitions.

For more information and for school competition entry forms visit www.norwichinbloom.co.uk.

Are you involved in a community project? Contact Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772 418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk.