AN innovative project to encourage people to take up gardening while tidying their town has begun this week in Shildon.

Two community gardens have been created in Dale Road and Waverley Terrace, which allow owners to choose how big a plot of land they wish to cultivate.

The areas are on the site of existing allotments and people behind the project are confident that the idea will encourage people to take up gardening.

Rather than having an allotment to take care of, residents can choose a piece of land that suits them.

The scheme is a partnership between Shildon Town Council and Groundwork East Durham, and both groups believe that the project will have wide-reaching benefits for the town.

Jason Martin, project officer for Groundwork East Durham, said: "In a nutshell, we are trying to do something a bit different.

"Allotments have been in decline, but these community gardens are different and we believe they will attract more people.

"We are confident that a lot of people would like to do a little bit of gardening. You can have a little six by six plot or up to a quarter of the allotments."

Funding comes from the Big Lottery Fund, the County Development Foundation, Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and Sedgefield Borough Council.

The areas have been tidied up, fencing added and a path built down the middle.

A presentation of the plans took place at Shildon Civic Centre on Monday.

A spokesman for Shildon Town Council said that as well as improving the appearance of the town, there were other advantages.

He said: "The town council supports the development of the community gardens because they provide productive, high-quality open space and provide opportunities for people to learn new skills and abilities.

"They provide opportunities to improve the health of the community and provide a tool for the bringing together of people of different abilities and ages."

People interested in having a plot on the Shildon community gardens are asked to contact Mr Martin on 0191-527 3333.