School garden set to flourish after cash boost from Persimmon

A primary school in Pontefract has received a donation from our West Yorkshire branch to help transform part of its garden into an allotment.

West End Academy was awarded £1,000 from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, which supports good causes and charities across the local area.

The donation from our West Yorkshire branch will enable the school to purchase a variety of seeds, plants and equipment. The intention is to give produce that is grown to a local food bank.

Samantha Lancaster, from West End Academy, said: “The allotment will be maintained by our gardening club and once established, we plan to donate the produce to the Hemsworth Food Pantry, our community food bank.

“Our aim to restore a disused garden to help educate our pupils on how fruit and vegetables grow linking this to a healthy lifestyle and the impact this has on the environment. We also see the allotment as an opportunity for the children to understand how they can make an active contribution to community.”

The school’s long-term goal is to invite the community to support the allotment so that more produce can be grown.

Christopher Hull, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be able to help West End Academy in such a fulfilling project.

“Our Community Champions scheme is all about helping those that make a real difference to the lives of the local community and the school’s allotment is a perfect example of this.”

Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire offer two donations of up to £1,000 each month to good causes and charities within the local community.

They are encouraging other worthy groups to apply online at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity