HUNDREDS of school pupils across Worcestershire are putting their green-fingered skills to the test in a national schools' competition to grow a prize-winning petunia.

Webbs of Wychbold garden centre near Droitwich has signed up 730 pupils from 11 local schools to enter the Baby Bio National Schools Growing Competition 2005.

The competition aims to find the UK's next budding gardener whose green fingers can wow big gardening names at the grand final at BBC Gardeners' World Live.

All the schools taking part have received growing kits for the competition which is run in conjunction with the Garden Centre Association.

Three classes from each of the participating schools will be busy tending their pots over the next few weeks ready to produce their prize-winning plants at the regional heat at Webbs on Saturday, June 11.

Webbs managing director, Ed Webb said it is a contest which not only encourages children to take an active interest in plants but also provides a great day out for all the family on the regional judging day.

"Plus there's always a bit of healthy competition between the schools," he added.

"We've been thrilled our heat winners have triumphed at a national level in the past and it would be marvellous to repeat that. "

Every contestant is invited to bring their petunia to be judged at Webbs on Saturday, June 11.

The winner will then take their prize plant to the final held at BBC Gardeners' World Live on Saturday, June 18, at the NEC, Birmingham, where they will compete with the best in the country to win up to £1,000 for their school and £100 in National Garden Centre Gift Vouchers for themselves.