ALLOTMENT holders in Bedale have celebrated the successful outcome of efforts to retain their site in the town.

It had been feared the site would be lost to a new housing development but after negotiations the owner, the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, is gifting half the site to the local allotment society.

In addition the diocese also provided funds for landscaping work, a communal cabin and a garden tool chest for each plot on the site behind Masham Road.

The remodelled site has now been formally re-opened and society chairman John Burton welcomed more than 80 people to the celebrations.

Honorary life member Georgiana Kew cut the ribbon to launch the new gardens, which with their secure future, are expected to benefit the local community for many years to come.

Among those who attended were several supporters of the allotments campaign, including local rector, the Reverend Ian Robinson, members of the town council and Michael Lindley from the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales.