A young gardening enthusiast has been given his own allotment plot since helping out locals residents where he lives.

Riverside who owns and manages homes on Colshaw Farm, recently handed over the lease for the land containing the allotments on Lincoln Road, Handforth to Dean Row Allotment Society.

Jake Johnson aged 11 started showing an interest in growing his own vegetables since becoming involved in gardening through his local scout group.   His enthusiasm grew from there and when Ian Lomax from Dean Row Allotments heard about him, he was quick to offer Jake an allotment plot of his own.

Ian said “when I was told about Jake by a plot holder, my first thought was, wow, what a lovely kid and didn’t hesitate about offering him one of the community plots. I raised the subject at our AGM, with it agreed unanimously to give him a plot rent free.”

Rachel, Jake’s mum said “Jake is really interested in growing vegetables, he started off growing carrots and it just went from there. Jake has now started to plant a variety of vegetables, but doesn’t just grow them for his own use. Jake wants to donate them to local people.”

In his own words Jake said “I want to make sure the older people on the estate are able to get a hot meal”

Ian Lomax, Society Secretary, said “it is fantastic to see young people becoming involved in growing their own produce and especially a young lad like Jake who is doing it to help out others. With the enthusiasm shown by Jake, we now looking to start a children’s club.”

Jake said “it would be great if other kids got involved in allotments. I have learned a lot since getting my plot from the other gardeners and I really enjoy seeing my vegetables grow”

Allotment plots are provided on various sizes for anyone living in the Handforth area as well as community plots specifically for Riverside’s tenants and residents on the Colshaw Farm Estate.

To find out more about the Society, or if you want to apply for a plot, you can go to their website at www.deanrowallotments.org.uk or email the secretary at [email protected]