PUPILS helped to brighten up their surroundings as they planted flowers around the shops in Caerleon.

Reception pupils from Lodge Hill Infants School planted lavender, begonias and trailing ivy in the area.

Some of the plants were donated by residents in their 90s, as part of an annual project by Village Services.

Carys Heath, project coordinator at the social enterprise, said this was the third year they had filled planters around the Lodge shops.

“It is about the children taking ownership of their surroundings,” she said.

“As part of their curriculum, they learn about growing. A few community members turned up to help, as well as a few other school children. Now, we need residents to pitch in and water the troughs in the morning or evening.

“All the Lodge shops were given watering cans last year, so anyone can pop in to the shops and ask for a watering can to water the flowers.

“It’s nice, because when the children come back from school they stop and show their parents the tubs they planted,” said Miss Heath.