Green-fingered students were praised by the mayor of High Wycombe for their efforts to grow fruit and vegetables for charity.

The Cressex Community School Eco Club welcomed councillor Mohammed Hanif last week after spending time growing produce for one of his charities for the year, One Can Hope.

Staff have been teaching the teenagers how to grow and look after their fruit and vegetables for several years, but since June 2015 they have been donating the food to One Can Hope, who teach the community how to prepare a healthy meal from fresh produce within a budget.

Cllr Hanif said: “Cressex School Eco project is a great example of three way collaboration between Asda, Cressex Community School and One Can Hope.

“I am delighted to see how the students are learning gardening skills and growing fruit and vegetables, so that the local charity can distribute this produce to the vulnerable members of the community.”

This year the Eco Club, supported in their efforts by Asda, Johnson and Johnson and Waitrose, chose to engage with the community and decided to establish links with the One Can Hope charity.

Headteacher David Hood said: “Students at Cressex pride themselves on contributing to their community. Eco club is an excellent example of this.

“Every week, whatever the weather, students and staff work together to grow fruit and vegetables which are then passed on to the One Can Hope Charity to provide healthy food to those who need it.”