GIVE our children the chance to watch something grow and discover the taste of ‘real’ food – a chance they might not get out of school.

This is the plea from Zofica Karol head teacher of Tanners Brook in Southampton which is the latest to apply for help through the Daily Echo’s £6,000 School Build Challenge.

The school hopes to get the cash boost so they can create a garden and buy the necessary equipment for real life learning experiences.

Their plans include creating an allotment to plant and grow fruit and vegetables as well as a secure area to keep the chicks they hatch annually.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

The school in Elmes Drive, Millbrook, would use the garden throughout the school day including lessons in science, maths, healthy living, writing, design and technology. After school they would run garden clubs and encourage parents to take part in their children’s learning.

It is the latest application to come through for professional help from building firm Leadbitter, which has teamed up with the Daily Echo to make three fantastic outdoor projects become a reality.

Miss Karol said: “The children just love real things happening. When they bake and create real things the authenticity resonates within the children.

Learn more about the School Build Challenge - click here.

“This project would give them something to be responsible for. To grow and nurture produce is very rewarding, many of whom will not have similar opportunities at home.

“Many of the children are unable to recognise a lot of raw vegetables.

“You could make a difference to more than 300 children and their families.”

There are three prizes of works by Leadbitter staff up to the value of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 on offer through the challenge, for any outdoor project at an infant, junior or primary school in the Daily Echo circulation area.

All schools have to do is fill in the application form left before March 31, telling us in no more than 200 words why they deserve the money.

A panel of judges will whittle down the entrants to the best ten and then it will be up to Daily Echo readers to decide which will win the prizes.