Pupils took a day out of lessons on Wednesday to paint their designs onto large boards which will soon be on display promoting the benefits of recycling.

The murals, which will go up at Victoria Road and Vicarage Field recycling sites, were designed by children aged six to 10 on the school's Gifted and Talented programme.

Teacher Sonia Larkin, who organised the mass painting exercise, said the youngsters enjoyed the day away from the classroom.

She said, "One girl said to me it was the best day of the school year.
"I'm very pleased with the designs. They're very colourful and show great initiative."

The murals are just one of the projects being undertaken as part of South and South East In Bloom.

And, with just nine days until the competition's judges roll into town, other projects are being finalised.

As part of the competition, three keen gardeners have been honoured for producing the best front gardens in Hailsham.

Christine Simms won first prize for her garden at Ferndale in Western Road.

Roy Cousens, of Moore Park, and Sheila Blake, of London Road, were awarded second and third places respectively.

The successful trio picked up trophies at a presentation on Friday night.

Christine admitted she was pleasantly surprised to have won the award.
She told the Gazette, "I used to enter with my dad years ago but I haven't done so recently.

"I've put a lot of work into it over the years and it does look pretty but it's nothing spectacular in all honesty."

The Hailsham Pavilion is also celebrating after being announced as the winner of the Hailsham Heritage Award for a building which best reflects the history of the town.

The town council's South and South East In Bloom sub-committee meets tonight for the final time before judging day to discuss the final arrangements.

Competition judges Brian Newman and Frank Mason will be in Hailsham for a two-and-a-half hour tour next Friday (July 4).

The prestigious annual competition, part of the nationwide Britain In Bloom, has 12 categories and Hailsham is competing for honours alongside Chichester, East Grinstead, Faversham, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton and Sittingbourne.