THOUSANDS of green-fingered youngsters will be busily growing in family gardens or allotments this year after being handed packets of free seeds.The Kitchen Garden Project, now in its third year, will distribute 6,000 special seed packs through 180 schools in Suffolk - complete with advice for sowing and growing - for children to take home.

THOUSANDS of green-fingered youngsters will be busily growing in family gardens or allotments this year after being handed packets of free seeds.

The Kitchen Garden Project, now in its third year, will distribute 6,000 special seed packs through 180 schools in Suffolk - complete with advice for sowing and growing - for children to take home.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage youngsters to grow their own vegetables in an attempt to promote healthy eating.

The scheme is run by the county council's catering service and has been funded by the East of England Co-op Community Dividend Fund.

Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services, said the free seeds initiative provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the idea of growing their own food.

“Offering free seeds gives so many children a chance to see what it is like to grow their own vegetables, which is both useful and satisfying,” she said. “It can also help encourage healthy eating habits, as young people are more likely to be interested in vegetables if they have been involved in growing them.”