MORE than 100 students with special educational needs put their practical, creative and technical skills to the test at a special event.

The Jim Green Challenge was hosted by the South of England Agricultural Society in Ardingly,

Now in its 20th year, the competition held in memory of a former chairman and founding council member of the South of England Agricultural Society Jim Green, aims to encourage teamwork and build confidence.

Ten teams of students took part in the competition, which involved making scarecrow sculptures; models of where birds would nest; freestanding bird tables and wild bird sculptures; baking a swirly chocolate cake; and planting spring flower beds and window boxes.

The overall winner for the second year running was Aldingbourne Country Centre from Chichester who took first prize in the baking challenge, bird table and scarecrow making categories.

The Society’s deputy president, Sue St Pierre presented the team with the new Jim Green Challenge Trophy;and Louise Hughes gave them the Jim Green Challenge Rose Bowl.

All the students who took part were presented with certificates by one of the event sponsors, Barry Rogers of the Masonic Charities.

Dignitaries from across the county attended, including the High Sherriffs of Surrey and West Sussex as well as chairs from East Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council and Vice Patron of the Society, Sir Brian Barttelot.

Sarah Peay, one of the key organisers, said: “We were so impressed with the enthusiasm and skills demonstrated by the students and the dedication of their amazing staff from the colleges.

“One of the key areas of the Society is education - for young people to learn all aspects of country life.

“Jim Green was one of the founder members of the society and this competition fits in so well with his ideas on education; today was evidence that his vision is as strong as ever and everyone’s great work reflects the society’s aims of the past, present and future.”

Sarah also thanked sponsors Sussex Masonic Charities, Carole Hayward, Kevin Booth, The Golden Lion Children’s Trust and The Camelia Botnar Foundation who kindly donated the plants, as well as the many volunteers for their contribution to a very successful day.

Barry Rogers from the Sussex Masonic Charities said: “I have spent a wonderful day watching these inspiring students carrying out their practical tasks, showing me what they had made including sculptures, bird tables, delicious chocolate swirly cake and inventive scarecrows.

“Sussex Masonic Charities is proud to be a sponsor.”