Pupils from St Palladius’ Primary School are top of the class after winning a national garden design competition.

The Dalry youngsters were challenged by Keep Scotland Beautiful to design a pocket garden when home learning during the COVID pandemic.

The winning design, by Primary 1’s Archie Berrie, was shortlisted to take part in a digital showcase in place of the postponed Scottish Gardening Festival.

With just over 13 per cent of the popular vote, the entry was designed to be edible and enjoyed by minibeasts, humans and aliens alike.

As a prize the school will be offered a consultation with the competition judges to help them plan and create improvements at an area of the school grounds for biodiversity, or food growing.

Class Teacher, Miss Craig said: “We were delighted when we discovered we had won. What a wonderful end to a year like no other! We would like to thank the community for supporting our children and taking the time to vote. This prize will make a huge impact to our outdoor learning environment.”