UNSOLD stock from a Hampshire garden centre has helped cheer up the flower beds at a Southampton school.

Children at Mansbridge Primary School were keen to brighten their playground - and soon got their hands dirty thanks to Haskins Garden Centre at nearby West End.

The centre donated border plants, shrubs and an exotic palm tree after its outdoor sundries supervisor, Ian Holt, made an impassioned appeal.

Mr Holt, a governor at the school where his 11-year-old daughter Katrina is one of 240 pupils, received a great response from the business.

Haskins general manager Gail Bloomfield said: "We were pleased to be able to help the school as it is very local to us.

"We also encourage support from our suppliers to help the community."

It took just two weeks for Mr Holt and the youngsters to transform the muddy edges into a flower haven.