A CHANCE to sample allotment gardening is being offered through a health and environmental project.

The Allotments for Everyone scheme will see dozens of allotments upgraded and plots set aside for beginners. Officers from Groundwork West Durham will give new gardeners basic tips on growing flowers, fruit and vegetables with weekly advice sessions.

The scheme, funded through Durham Dales Healthy Living Partnership, is already underway at Westgate and Crook, and there are plans to expand it.

High Job's Hill allotment site, in Crook, now has a demonstration plot and Groundwork West Durham's senior project officer, Kay Mills, holds taster sessions every Thursday, 10am to 3pm.

Miss Mills said: "It is a really healthy, fun activity and it helps open up allotment gardening to a new audience."

For details of the project, contact Kay Mills on (01388) 662666.