PENSIONER John Baker is also a keen gardener. At the age of 74, he regularly travels from his home in Werrington to a plot at Woodberry Allotments, in Oakhill.

John says: "It's my niece's allotment, but we work on it together. I've got quite a big garden and I grow everything as seedlings first before I plant it up at Oakhill.

"I spent 25 years working in Africa before I retired, so I understand the value of food, and I know how to grow something from nothing. The main reason I got into gardening is because I love veg. There's just something about growing and eating your own vegetables – which taste far superior to shop-bought ones as they are so fresh.

"I think gardening is a good activity for the younger generation. They live in a virtual world at the moment, through televisions and computers, so if they can get out into the environment and watch stuff grow, it can only be a good thing.

"Gardening is also a great way to exercise, which is very important. And the best thing about it is it's done outside in the fresh air – a healthy way to spend your free time, and it's very cheap."

Paul Chauveau, pictured below, chairman of Leek Allotment Holders Committee, adds: "There are a lot of young families who with their modern houses do not have big gardens, and they are now on the allotment waiting list.

"Also some young families, who do have allotments, involve the whole family in the growing of produce.

"It's not just characters from Last of the Summer Wine who enjoy spending time on them. Allotments keep generations of people happy."