PRIZE winner Robbie McConnell let his green fingered skills go to his head after picking up an award in a school competition.

Eight-year-old Robbie won first prize in the junior section of the annual bulb-growing contest at St Bartholomew's Primary School, Ewood, Blackburn, after applying a little tender loving care to his three hyacinth bulbs.

The infant winner was seven-year-old Mohammed Sange. Both boys won £10 gift tokens.

The contest is run at the school each year by the Ewood and Fernhurst Community Association. Each child gets a pot and soil with three bulbs in October and their growing skills come under the skillful eyes of judge, local horticulturist Bill Hargreaves, at the end of January. Flowers are judged on colour, shape and health.

Head Kathryn Adnitt, said: "The children have to take care and look after the bulbs as they grow, making sure they are watered every week. Some take it very seriously."

The competition is funded through the Green Community Chest, part of the borough's regeneration fund.