YOUNGSTERS got tips from top class gardeners as part of a DIY store's campaign to get outdoors and discover nature.

Colchester born brothers Dale and Lee Connelly, better known as the Skinny Jean Gardeners, visited the Homebase store on St Andrew's Avenue, as part of the chain's Room to Grow scheme - aimed at helping youngsters find a dedicated outdoor space to play, get messy, and get into gardening.

Lee said: "Dale and I only started gardening four years ago but I wish we’d discovered it when we were younger.

"Our mission is to get kids gardening.

"It doesn’t matter what they do, it’s about being outside with soil between their fingers being creative and having fun."

A spokesman for Homebase said: "We know that the school holidays can be challenging for parents, juggling childcare and finding ways to entertain the kids, but often the simplest ideas can keep them entertained for hours.

"The message for families is to turn off the TV this summer and let the kids outdoors instead."