Paint a pebble to look like a vegetable and get free seeds at Squires.

The garden centre in Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton, is asking children under 16 to pick up a free pebble from its information desk, or use one of their own, then paint it at home to look like their favourite (or not so favourite!) vegetable. They could even bring it to life by adding a little face too!

To ensure your pebble looks its best, Squires suggests varnishing it, as the painted pebbles will be displayed outside.

Painted pebbles should be handed in from now until November 8. In return your child will be rewarded with a free pack of vegetable seeds.

Soon they could be growing tomatoes, courgettes, cabbages or even Brussels sprouts in time for Christmas. It’s a great introduction to vegetable gardening, and may even get some fussy eaters to eat their greens.

Chairman Sarah Squire said: “This is a fun, home craft and gardening activity that I think children will really enjoy, and it gives them a great introduction into the world of grow-your-own. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful creations that children make.”

Maximum pebble size approximately 12cm square.