A GALA barbecue has been organised to celebrate the opening of a community allotment garden in the east Durham village of Thornley.

The allotment has been developed by Groundwork East Durham as part of the Health, Exercise and Allotments (Heal) programme, which aims to encourage people to improve health and fitness.

The garden offers people the chance to grow fruit and vegetables and learn from the skills of experienced gardeners.

The barbecue will be held tomorrow and marks the start of the allotment project.

Libby Mahoney, project officer at Groundwork East Durham, said: "The allotment has so much to offer the community. We have a number of volunteers involved, but we are always on the look out for more."

The allotment is open to all and is free. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact Ms Mahoney on 0191 527 333.