ORGANISERS of a local food project are making the final preparations for their launch event this week.

Jenny Chapman MP got stuck in yesterday to help with the Darlington It’s Growing campaign which starts on Friday.

Darlington It’s Growing, also known as Dig, is a community- led scheme that will work with allotment holders, environmental groups and other local organisations.

It hopes to promote local food and its sources, and increase the amount of local food grown and eaten in the borough.

One of Dig’s first ideas is to plant apple trees across Darlington with people allowed to scrump the fruit.

Mrs Chapman was at the Clervaux Cafe, next to her offices in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, yesterday, to knead dough.

She said: “One reason I like the cafe is that it’s right next door to my office and serves up wonderful food.

“More seriously it is a great example of what the local food movement is all about.

“We can all enjoy the food, but in the process it is also giving opportunities to young people through activities at the college and the apprenticeships here at the cafe and bakery.”

Matthew Snedker, one of the organisers of the campaign, said: “The launch is about putting Dig on the map and building support for a local food movement in Darlington.

“This support will give us a strong foundation for obtaining funding and developing projects in the future.

“We have achieved nothing yet, so it is great to be able to launch our ideas at such a great local food venue as Clervaux.”

Friday’s launch event will include a presentation by Pam Warhurst, who set up Incredible Edible, in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, a project with similar aims to Dig.

Mr Snedker said: “It’s an amazing place with food for free growing everywhere in the town.”

Internationally-respected artist Derek Cowie will also paint a picture during the event inspired by the ideas behind Dig and by the launch event itself. It will be auctioned at the end of the evening to raise funds for the new project.

Places are limited for Friday’s event, which starts at 6pm. For details email peter.edendays@gmail.com.