The project was developed by the council’s Facilities Services working with local nurseries to convert old Henry vacuum cleaners into planters within the nurseries.

And Numatic, the company that makes Henry and his vacuum friends, were so impressed with the way the children at the nurseries had taken to the idea of growing beautiful flowers in the Henry planters that they sent Henry the Mascot up to see it for himself.

After starting off in Woodhill Nursery, Blackwood, Project Henry spread its roots to Kilbryde Nursery and Rooftop Nursery, both in East Kilbride, and Mascot Henry visited all three to admire the planters and speak to the children.

Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, welcomed Henry and told him all about the work behind the project.

He said: “It was great to see the delight from the children at meeting Henry the Mascot, and they loved hearing from him about the story of the company and how the first Henry came to be.

“Project Henry not only lets us make use of old stock once it can’t perform its original purpose, but it also gives us the chance to encourage children to learn about growing plants. It has also let us work with Numatic, and they have been great in engaging with the nurseries and telling the story of the Henry – and hopefully encouraging the children to not only develop green fingers, but maybe to also help with the vacuuming at home.

“In the meantime, the Henry planters are certainly helping to make the nurseries even more bright and cheerful thanks to Henry’s infectious smile!”