PEOPLE who enjoy a flutter have helped a Reading school to acquire an 'edible playground.'

The Palmer Academy, in Northumberland Avenue, will benefit from cash generated by the People's Postcode Lottery.

It means that the 400 children can grow their own fruit and vegetables and learn the benefits of healthy eating.

The two-form entry school looks after youngsters in the 3-11 age bracket.

'Edible playgrounds' are part of a programme involving a partnership between Trees for Cities; School Food Matters and Chefs Adopt a School.

They have created 10 flagship 'edible playgrounds' in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Reading.

The Reading 'playground' will be specially adapted to provide beds for growing salads, root vegetables, soft fruits and herbs, fruit trees, a greenhouse, and composting area and will cost £30,000 to create.

Pupils will be trained in planting and harvesting workshops, and teachers will receive support throughout the year to teach outdoors via gardening.

Pupils will also enjoy 'hands on' cooking with the help of Chefs Adopt a School and will have access to food education programmes outside school hours.

The Chefs Adopt a School charity will help the Academy achieve its first Food for Life award.

Robert Wylde, co-head of the Academy, said: "We aim to create a long lasting impact on the behaviour and attitudes of our children that has potential to transform their lives and the health and well-being of the wider community."