BUDDING young eco warriors are growing their environmental skills in fun weekly activities at Broomhill Gardens.

Pint-sized horticulturalists from Wellpark Children's Centre are learning all about gardening and the outdoors as part of the Garden Gang at the community hub.

With help from project officer Erin Moran and gardener Liam Kelly, the boys and girls take part in engaging and informative activities which help them become more aware of nature and the environment around them.

The mini gardeners recently planted up 'pizza pots' full of items that would go on a pizza, including tomatoes, bell peppers, basil and rocket.

Young potterers have also been learning about garden safety, pollination and bees, growing underwater plants, what the inside of plants look like, and how to make bird boxes.

Erin said the weekly activities are designed to instil a love for the outdoors from an early age.

She added: "We learn about a whole range of different things and develop a lot of skills.

"The activities use a lot of fine motor skills and the children have to very careful when they're picking up seedlings and plants.

"It's horticultural therapy for them too as getting lost in a task is great for mental health.

"When they're picking up seedlings and chatting to their friends, they're developing their social skills, and they're learned a lot of new big words too, so it's helping to expand their vocabulary."

This particular Garden Gang group will run right through until the summer.

The group was originally funded by the Scottish Government and has also received funds from supermarkets.

Erin says having the same group week-to-week provides continuity.

She added: "It's great for the children to see the whole growing process.

"They get a great sense of achievement when they see their own plants starting to grow."