PEOPLE in Weardale are taking over a plot of land to grow vegetables and fruit under a new initiative promoting healthy living.

Produce from the Wolsingham Community Supported Agriculture enterprise (CSA) will be shared among active members as well as sold.

Volunteers are needed to run the scheme, which is called Local Food for Local People, and is backed by the Wear Valley and Teesdale Enterprise Agency and the Wear Valley Interbiz network.

Initial discussions have already taken place with a group of interested residents and organisers are calling for more volunteers to come forward.

Members of the Wolsingham CSA will make decisions on what is to be grown, set budgets and help with administration.

They can also help on the land, organise social events or commit to buying produce boxes.

More information is being given at an afternoon of free workshops next month when speakers will include members of successful CSA projects around the country.

Nick Weir, founder of the Stroud Community Agriculture programme, in Gloucestershire, said: "Our CSA has given us a lot more than the best-tasting veg we have ever had.

"It has provided regular farm days, picnics, camping weekends, apple juicing parties, bonfire nights and harvest suppers.

"It also means that we know the people who are growing our food, and we can trust them."

Farmer Chris Stephenson is supporting the scheme because he hopes it will provide produce for his new farm shop in Bradley Burn, near Wolsingham. He said: "We do all we can to encourage people to grow fresh food."

Workshops will be held at the sixth form centre at Wolsingham School and Community College, on Saturday, September 15, from 1.45pm. Childcare is available for children up to 14 and there is free food at Bradley Burn cafe at 5.15, followed by a further workshop.

To book, call 01388-605925.