ALLOTMENT holders who once faced eviction after being told their site was going to close are celebrating their first year under new management.

Plot holders at Barton, near Darlington, were issued with eviction notices by Barton Parish Council in 1999 - but after nearly five years of struggle the council negotiated a lease on the site with the private landowner last April.

After a rise in membership and a drive to bring derelict plots back into use, the allotment association is looking for prospective tenants to fill the few vacant plots left.

Association secretary Alen McFadzean said: "We had a huge rise in tenants last year once the lease was signed, and brought the allotment site into profit almost overnight.

"We have really turned the place around - but we've still a few plots standing empty and would like to get them filled before the growing season gets under way."

For details, call Mr McFadzean on (01325) 377987.