A GARDENING teacher from Bromsgrove has reached the national finals of a community garden competition.

Alison Pike, who owns local business Tiny Trowels, won the regional round of Cultivation Street’s Community Garden Award earlier this month, after judges praised her contribution to the Bromsgrove community.

She is now in for a chance of winning the national prize of £5,000.

Alison said: "I am over the moon. I’m passionate about gardening and introducing the next generation to growing their own food alongside the fun of getting muddy.

"Receiving the recognition that my work is seen by other as a positive and inspiring influence on the community really means the world to me."

A qualified horticulturist, Alison began teaching gardening to children five years ago - and her business is flourishing.

She teaches around 12 classes a week during term-time - her 'Tiny Trowelers' sessions for two to five-year-olds, and a 'Bigger Diggers' class for over-fives.

Children enjoy mini-beast hunting, building bug hotels, sowing seeds, harvesting and tasting homegrown fruits.

The national Community Garden Winner will be announced in the Sunday Mirror on September 23.

Visit tinytrowels.co.uk for more information about classes.