11:15am Thursday 18th March 2010
A COMMUNITY allotment project is running weekly gardening sessions after the success of its first event.
Shildon Mustard Seed Project launched its allotment site at Furness pit, off Byerley Road, Shildon, with a barbecue on Saturday morning.
However, the session- for people who would like an allotment but cannot manage a plot on their own- proved so popular it will run every week.
Helen Cole, community development worker for the project, said about 60 people came to the launch.
She said: "It was amazing, we had a great turnout and we were lucky with the weather on what must have been the best day of the year so far.
"Everybody had so much fun, the kids mucked in with the adults, and a lot of people said they were interested in coming back."
The idea for the community garden came from people who took part in Shildon Mustard Seed Project's vegetable planting sessions last year.
Weekly drop-in planting sessions will now take place, from 10am to 1pm, every Saturday, and the project is looking for donations.
Environmental regeneration charity, Groundwork North-East, supported the project and organised the event with money from The Big Lottery Fund.
Anyone who can spare some gardening equipment is asked to call Mrs Cole on 07761-981160.
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