Added by Love Business East Midlands | 8 November 2025
A green-fingered Derbyshire pre-schooler has taken the coveted top spot in a sunflower growing competition organised by Dronfield-based financial planners, Belmayne.
The initiative, which raises money for the independent firm’s Belmayne Foundation, has been won by Milan Pozo of Marsh Lane Under 5s, whose statuesque sunflower reached 170cm.
Nine children’s nurseries from across North Derbyshire participated in this year’s Summer of Sunflowers challenge, resulting in some 600 children competing to grow the tallest specimen and win a prize donated by Belmayne. Second place was taken by Koa Ngai, also of Marsh Lane Under 5s, whose sunflower reached 143cm, whilst third place went to Tuesday Barker of St Andrew’s Pre-School in Dronfield, with a 134cm entry.
The firm equipped all participating pre-schools with seeds, biodegradable plant pots and peat-free compost and raised £1,150 for the Belmayne Foundation by asking clients and professional partners to sponsor the children’s endeavours. The money will be added to this year’s fundraising total, which is being split equally between the 3rd Holmesfield Scout Group and Just Good Friends Club.
Belmayne partner and charity champion, Ben Smalley, presented Jane Woolley, nursery manager at Marsh Lane Under 5s, with the winner’s trophy and garden centre vouchers. In addition, the group will also receive a visit from an entertainer, courtesy of the firm. Third place, St Andrew’s Pre-School, was also gifted garden centre vouchers.
Ben said:
“We received a fantastic response, once again, to this year’s Summer of Sunflowers competition and it has been a pleasure to see so many youngsters embracing the opportunity to nurture a plant from seed. Marsh Lane Under 5s proved themselves to be masters at sunflower growing, taking first and second place for the first time in the competition. I can’t thank everyone involved enough for their continued support and enthusiasm, particularly our sponsors who have provided a significant boost to our fundraising total.”
Since its launch in 2019, the Belmayne Foundation has donated almost £52,000 to registered charities that support health and wellbeing and provide relief to those in need. For more information, telephone (01246) 298181 or visit: www.belmayne-ifa.com/charity