Send us your sunflower photos

While this summer's hot weather has been great for splashing in paddling pools and warm evening barbeques, the lack of much rain has been a challenge for farms and gardens.

But there is one type of plant in particular that has thrived in the sun - sunflowers of course.

While some farmers have struggled to grow crops like wheat and barley due to dry conditions, lots of sunflower fields are in full bloom.

As the name suggests, sunflowers love clear skies and warm days.

They have deep roots which means they can find water sources below the ground unlike some other crops.

The seeds can be harvested and used for cooking oil, birdseed and even in cosmetics.

The flowers themselves are also used in ornamental displays.

Have you grown a sunflower this year? If so, send us a photo of you next to your growing plant using the uploader below.

Remember, it's a good idea to get an adult to help and please only send a photo of yourself - no other children.

If your parents are sending your pictures for you, they can do it here.

Sunny, dry weather has helped Peter Snell, who runs North Farm in Dorset, to grow more than a million sunflowers this year.

He planted around 1.3 million sunflower seeds in spring and thanks to warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, many of the plants are taller than him already.

"We planted them in the middle of April and there was just enough moisture for them to establish and start to grow," he explained.

"Three months later, some of these are 5ft, 6ft high and, in the best parts of the field, they're over my head."