AN allotment association has been awarded a grant to enable it to reclaim and regenerate plots.

The Barmpton Lane Allotment Association, in Darlington, has been awarded £3,220 from the National Lottery Awards for All fund.

Michael Haw, association secretary, said the money will be used to improve five abandoned plots and create a further five plots from pasture ground to rent out.

The group has been working to revive the allotments and get more people and groups involved since it took over the running of the site from Darlington Borough Council.

Barmpton Lane is among three sites to take up the new scheme for managing allotments, with Glebe Road and West Cemetary also forming their own associations.

So far, Whinfield Infant School has taken a plot at Barmpton Lane, as well as a tree preservation group.

The Firthmoor Community Group has also expressed an interest in the plots, along with a number of individuals.

The council is also looking at releasing three more allotments this year to be managed by growers, but is yet to identify them.

Anyone interested in taking over one of the plots at Barmpton Lane can contact Mike Haw on (01325) 466484.

Rent is £30 a year for an able-bodied person, or £15 for anyone unemployed, retired or disabled.