Schools planning to get their hands dirty as part of a Shropshire Star gardening campaign are being made an unbeatable offer.

A Telford landscaping and recycling company will donate a tonne of compost to the first school that wants to collect it for its plot.

Jack Moody Ltd, which is based near Priorslee, says the compost will help schools to get the best from their land.

Today Chris Ridgway, the company’s recycling manager, said: “We’re very supportive of Star Gardens. It’s a great idea because it will encourage youngsters to grow their own food.

“We’ve decided to donate a tonne of compost to the school that calls us and tells us about its plans. The only stipulation is that the school must collect it themselves, so it’s perfect for a school where one of the parents has some form of transport, like a big van. People can call on (01952) 613916.”

Eighty six schools have already entered Star Gardens and many have begun to organise autumn fundraising events, to generate funds to spend on their gardens.

The most recent recruit is Claverley Primary School and spokeswoman Jill Benson said it wanted to develop a plot for youngsters to grow fruit and vegetables.

The campaign has been supported by TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and by the Royal Horticultural Society, which has agreed to donate a free starter pack to every school that registers.

Schools can take part in the campaign – even if they already have a garden – by e-mailing arichardson@shropshirestar.co.uk or calling (01952) 241429.

Gardening experts will visit some of the gardens next year and prizes will be up for grabs for the most impressive school plots.