THE region's 25,000 allotment holders have been asked to take part in a national survey.

The Digging for Victory 2002 survey hopes to establish the extent of allotment gardening, and the facilities gardeners enjoy, across the North-East and the rest of the country.

Trevor Oakley, who is running the survey, said: "In 1940, it was estimated that there were 1,500,000 allotments in the UK.

"A survey carried out five years ago by the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners estimated the figure to be around 250,000.

"Allotments are a part of our cultural heritage. They also play a part in the leisure activities in many European countries.

"Allotments will be with us at the end of the next century in some form, so why not create a historical record now?"

Mr Oakley wants plot-holders to state:

* Name and location of their site

* Number of plots on the site

* Numbers let and vacant

* Site amenities, including taps, parking, site hut

* Rent - full, half, concessions

* Soil type

* Crops that grow well and those that do not.

Information should be sent to Mr Oakley at 37 Kimberley Grove, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BA.