GREEN-fingered Littleham youngsters and teenagers have been hard at work planting sunflowers in an attempt brighten up their community.

GREEN-fingered Littleham youngsters and teenagers have been hard at work planting sunflowers in an attempt brighten up their community.

Berry Close residents have teamed up with police community support officer Nikki Payne as part of the Littleham in Bloom tallest sunflower competition.

Now the group of keen youngsters are waiting with baited breath to see who can grow the tallest sunflower.

Exmouth B&Q donated pots, compost, seeds and canes so the planting could go ahead.

PCSO Nikki Payne said: "I was very pleased with the turnout. "Nineteen young people took part and we all planted the sunflowers out on the grass and some decorated their pots.

"The group will now have to care for their plants and see how tall they grow.

"This was a really good start to the events that residents would like to see in the area.

Getting to know your neighbours and caring about your surroundings are important in making people feel safer. "I saw it as a great opportunity to meet the young people and for them to get to know me better.

"Building these links with the community helps with our work and improves communication.