PERTH YOUNGSTERS have been playing a key role this week in the preparations for this year’s Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom competition.

Over the past few days the children have created and planted their annual display in the flower bed beside Perth Leisure Pool.

This year the topical sporting theme is the Olympic Games symbol and Team GB logo.

The display has been planted out in summer bedding plants, such as yellow marigolds, red begonias, dark purple ajuga, green pyrethrum and blue ageratum. Recycled bark has been used as a mulch.

The schools taking part are St John’s Primary, Perth High, Balhousie Primary, Oakbank Primary, St Ninian’s Primary, Moncreiffe Primary, Kinnoull Primary, Perth Academy, Goodlyburn Primary, Craigie Primary, Viewlands Primary, Our Lady’s Primary, Friarton Nursery and North Muirton Primary.

“Once again Perth has reached the standard to represent Scotland in the final stages of the Britain in Bloom competition,” said Beautiful Perth chairperson Euna Scott.

“Whilst the summer period in Perth is the most colourful and eye-catching for visitors a great deal of planning and preparatory work goes on behind the scenes outwith this period.

“Perth school children and young people have always played a part in our past success.”