TELEVISION'S gardening guru Mr Rotavator got his hands dirty in Bolton -- when he passed on his horticultural expertise to school pupils.

Mr Rotavator -- aka Steve Brookes -- spent a day discussing nature and the environment with pupils at Edgworth Primary School.

The youngsters, aged between five and 11, were captivated by the wacky-looking presenter.

Science teacher Helen Roe said he helped inspire pupils to become more green-fingered.

Mrs Roe said: "He stayed around for the whole day and gave out some very good tips.

"The children seemed to really enjoy themselves and we feel his visit was very beneficial for the children."

Mr Rotavator, who appeared at the school as part of its Nature and Environment Week, taught the youngsters how to plant seeds.

He was approached by teachers at the school following his successful Channel Four series Growing Plants which was first broadcast in March 2000.

Critics have praised him for bringing a colourful, friendly and knowledgable introduction to nature.

He began his career on Central Television's Gardening Time in 1995.