There were big smiles among the green fingers at Larkman Primary yesterday as the school was given a top award from The Friends of Norwich in Bloom.

Children, teachers and parents all celebrated as it was named the winner of the overall prize in the schools section of the popular annual contest.

They also defeated other schools across the city to defend their best allotment title, as the winners of 12 different categories were announced.

Representatives from The Friends of Norwich in Bloom and Lord Mayor of Norwich Jenny Lay attended an assembly at Larkman Primary yesterday to present the school with the awards.

The judges had commended the flower beds, wildlife garden and winter garden across the grounds, but were particularly impressed by the organic fruit and vegetable garden.

At the allotment the children grow a wide variety of vegetables, with pumpkins, courgettes, lettuces, broad beans, tomatoes and carrots among the current crop.

Children volunteer to be a part of the club that meets after school, with eight a term able to enjoy cultivating the vegetables.

They then share the produce between themselves, with extras used in the school canteen.

Parent and helper Barry Quantrill said that the children were then very keen to eat what their classmates had grown.

He said: 'They are much more likely to eat vegetables when they come from here.'

The garden first developed from a condemned courtyard that boasted little more than broken tarmac in 1997. Now, under the guidance of charity Magic Gardens Project, it is an oasis of organic fruit and veg.

Tammy Edwards, project coordinator, said: 'To win it two years' running is the icing on the cake – it justifies all the work.'

Headteacher Alison Clarke said she was very proud of the whole school's efforts and added they have also just started a project to redevelop the field.

However, Mrs Clarke was disappointed to say that some of the fruit netting had been vandalised over the weekend.

Have you been working hard to create a successful community garden? Call reporter Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk