CHILDREN at a school in Holtspur brushed shoulders with royalty at the Chelsea Flower Show last week, as they claimed a prize for their floral displays.

The pupils from Holtspur School in Cherry Tree Road, met Princess Michael of Kent as they showcased their themed-displays.

The children spoke about the display with the royal as well as displaying their work to television celebrities including Sophie Raworth and Kirstie Allsopp.

As well as their moment with the stars the children were also rewarded for their work with a Silver Gilt, the same accolade they achieved last year.

The school were competing against 500 others nationwide and first entered the competition in 2012.

Laura Barton, a member of staff who helped with the display, said: “The children had a very long but memorable day. All the celebrities they met were wonderful, especially Kirstie Allsopp who made the effort to come and find us in the Grand Pavilion.

“Princess Michael of Kent was an absolute joy to meet. She spent a long time talking to the children about their plants and props and even discussing with them about her plans for her own garden. The children were very nervous but she instantly put them at ease.”

The school was given the brief to have a theme for Alice in Wonderland and Peter Rabbit.

Props included a garden fork decorated with hearts and the words “I’m late, I’m late”, a white rabbit and the Cheshire cat.

For Peter Rabbit they made a papier mache rabbit and decorated it.

They also grew gerberas, wallflowers and sunflowers.

Ms Barton added: “I would like to say thank you to Jane Hartley and John Clowes from Scotts Miracle Gro and Peter Seabrook from the Sun for yet again putting children's gardening in the spotlight and making this wonderful day possible for us.

“(Thanks to) Sharon and Daina from Beaconsfield Garden Centre for always supporting us and finally the children of Holtspur Schools Gardening Club for yet again excelling themselves. You have made us all very proud.”