ALLOTMENT holders have told of their hopes for the future after taking over a thriving set of garden plots.

The Barmpton Lane Allotment Society has redeveloped its land since taking over the site from Darlington Borough Council in January.

The group won a £3,200 National Lottery grant to regenerate the allotments, many of which had fallen into disrepair.

Members have created 21 more plots and receive weekly visits from Whinfield Junior School pupils.

The Community Forestry conservation group is also nurturing 500 seedlings in an attempt to re-populate the area with the rare black poplar species.

Future projects, including planting Christmas trees and developing raised growing beds for disabled gardeners, are planned.

Society secretary Mike Haw said: "There are a lot of things we would like to do and we are always keen to hear new ideas.

"We are pleased that the school has become involved because these children are the next generation of allotment holders, so it is important to get them to take an interest."