A COMMUNITY plot allowing gardeners to grow healthy food for themselves has been swamped with applicants.

All 24 of the raised beds at Church Road Recreation Grounds, Biddulph, have been oversubscribed with people keen to sow spuds, carrots and cabbages for £5 a year.

The £45,000 garden, which opened in January, is part of a £225,000 restoration of overgrown land which has been cleared for use by residents.

Emma Mortimer, pictured, who is helping to run the project with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said the response could see more land opened up for gardeners.

She said: "We could have filled the plots twice over because the project offers exercise and healthy eating benefits for families. We have quite a lot more land here that we could do something with, and we want the gardeners to have an input."

Under the scheme, which has been funded by NHS North Staffordshire, every plot-holder can grow all kinds of vegetables. They also have access to a communal water tap, tool shed and a polytunnel for growing seeds.

The council has also obtained funding to set up a gardening club, and pay a community gardener to train people and look for volunteers to run it in the future.

The club will tend a number of shared allotment plots, the produce of which will be shared among members.

Miss Mortimer said: "The plots are all taken at the moment, but the gardening club is open to anyone. It is suitable for those who might not want to take on an allotment of their own and want to learn more about growing their own food."

Community gardener Angela Coombs said: "I think it is fantastic to be able to get a bit of land and make it into something that can be productive, benefit the community and teach new skills."

Organisers from the council held an open day at the garden yesterday, where families could try their hand at willow weaving, and making a scarecrow, edible hanging basket or bird box.

Jeane McFarland, of St John's Road, Biddulph, has volunteered to tend the allotments taken over by Biddulph Resource and Information Centre. Some of the produce will be used at its cafe. The 55-year-old said: "I am a complete novice but I have always liked the idea of growing my own vegetables. This is an ideal way to get me started."

Biddulph town and district councillor Kevin Jackson said: "It is pleasing to see all the plots have been taken, and there is a lot of support for people who are new to growing their own produce."

The allotments cost £5 a year and the gardening club is £1 to join. Contact Emma Mortimer on 01538 395577 or email emma.mortimer@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk.