BUSINESSES in Worcestershire have rallied round to support Pershore High School after its horticultural unit was broken into last month.

Around £200 worth of gardening equipment was stolen after the unit was broken into just as pupils started to return to the classroom in mid-March.

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company on the outskirts of Worcester, Evesham Garden Centre at the Valley on the edge of Evesham, Westland Horticulture - suppliers of Kent & Stowe tools composts and fertilisers, and St Peters Garden Centre at Broomhall in Worcester have all stepped in to donate money to cover the costs of replacing the tools which were stolen during the break in.

Anne Watson, the teacher running the unit said: “It is heartbreaking for us all especially the students – they are having a tough enough time at the moment as it is, without this sort of thing happening.

“The value of things taken, probably barely comes to £200, but to us as a unit, which has to be entirely self funding, it is a big blow.

“We were hoping that some local businesses might help us, but we did not expect Bransford Webbs and Evesham Garden Centre to give us so much help. I am a bit blown away by their generosity.”

The Pershore School’s horticultural unit gives school students the opportunity to learn some of the skills of horticulture and gardening techniques as well as gaining recognised qualifications from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The school is one of only a few mainstream schools in the country to have its own dedicated horticultural unit where students can experience some of the skills of horticulture and gardening.

Phil Hanson, headteacher of Pershore High School said: “Covid has made a mess of lives for so many in so many ways and as teachers it is our role to find new ways to help young people prepare for their futures.

“The approach from Adrian Marskell, the managing director at Bransford Webbs, was to help us financially, but also wanting to help with work experience and career opportunities and Evesham Garden Centre is always keen to work with local schools and like ourselves are always keen to support those who see horticulture as a career they want to follow.”

For the latest news log on to eveshamjournal.co.uk

Or you can check out our Facebook page.