Free sunflower seeds are on offer to local children, who can then enter a competition to grow the tallest plant.

Otter Garden Centres is giving away the seeds and offering prizes to the children who grow the most impressive sunflowers.

April and May are the best months to sow sunflower seeds, with the plants expected to flower from June to September.

Otter Garden Centres managing director Jacqui Taylor said: “Everybody loves sunflowers, they’re easy to grow, lovely to look at, and they provide food for birds and insects. Bees especially are fond of their pollen.

“This is a wonderful and simple way to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in plants, wildlife and the environment.

“Later in the year, we’re going to ask participants who would like to enter our competition to upload a photo of their tallest sunflower, and the winners will be able to collect their prizes from their nearest store. We’re hoping to see some gorgeous, towering sunflowers!”

To claim the free seeds, parents or grandparents should visit the garden centre’s website and fill in a form. They will then receive an e-voucher with full information on how to claim the seeds instore.

Each packet contains around 15 sunflower seeds, and advice will be provided on planting methods to ensure healthy, tall sunflowers.

The record for the tallest sunflower grown in the UK is currently held by Richard Hope of Wigan, whose plant grew to an amazing 26ft – a height of nearly eight metres.

Jacqui said: “Is this the year that the South West takes the crown for the tallest sunflower in the country? We’d love it to be from one of our seeds!”

While the seeds are totally free, there will be a collection tin at the garden centre for any voluntary donations which will go to the branch’s local charity of the year. For the Ottery centre this is Hospiscare, which the branch has been supporting since 2019, with staff taking part in fundraising events including the annual Hospiscare Twilight Walk. The branch also sponsors Hospiscare’s Open Gardens event.