ROSSENDALE schoolchildren were thrilled by a visit from Blue Peter star Lee Connolly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener.

The CBBC performer came to Newchurch St Nicholas Church of England Primary School for a show as part of his M&S Food-sponsored nationwide tour to encourage children to take up gardening.

Lee gave his young audience seedlings and provided a fun step-by-step advice on how to grow them into plants at home.

Simon Layton, M&S head of region for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: “We’re so excited about our family-friendly Little Garden collectable campaign, engaging kids so they can learn more about how food grows.

"Our sponsorship of Lee’s school tour in Rossendale means over 1,000 kids in Lancashire will get the chance to pot up their very own Little Garden seedlings thanks to Lee’s learning sessions.”

The tour was launched in conjunction with the supermarket chain’s Collectable Craze, Little Garden campaign, which aims to encourage young people and their parents to grow their own vegetables.

Lee and campaign organisers aim inspire more than 10,000 children across the UK and plan to provide regular gardening tips videos to schools.