ONE of Hampshire’s educational jewels threw open its doors – and gates – for an open day marking its 100th birthday at the weekend.

Sparsholt College, situated between Winchester and Stockbridge, attracts students from a very wide radius and on Saturday, at its Countryside Day, it was able to show why.

On the hottest day of the year so far, large crowds poured on to the campus to marvel at the activities, enterprises and setting that makes the college such a popular choice for students.

Phillip Holroyd-Smith, event organiser explained: “Each year, Countryside Day makes us all feel very proud of Sparsholt College and the fabulous team culture we have here. It is wonderful to see so many adults and children trying their hand at the many activities we have on offer and seeing the huge opportunities open to them should they decide to pursue some form of training here at the College.”

Animals are a mainstay of the college as is horticulture where its students have excelled this week with their sustainable cup-themed garden The Paper Chase at 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The top medal winning garden was designed and built by Horticulture students at the College.