A new project has been launched in Breckland to encourage local communities of all ages and backgrounds to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The project, launched by Garden Organic, is funded by Big Lottery organisation Reaching Communities and also involves the charity Family Action.

The scheme is aiming to promote the growth of fruit and vegetables at home, on allotments or in community gardens.

The project launched on Tuesday July 31 with an event at Swaefas Swale Community Orchard, where attendees could enjoy allotment tours, nature trails, stories and workshops and have the opportunity to chat with professional gardeners and local gardening enthusiasts.

The event was attended by former Blue Peter gardener and Garden Organic's head of organic horticulture Chris Collins.

The project will be working on the ESCAPE allotment based in Swaffham and through outreach work in communities, with volunteers encouraging and supporting participants through a range of organic gardening and horticultural activities.

The scheme is also hoping to boost physical and mental health by promoting healthy eating and social interaction.

Master Gardeners, a network of trained volunteers who support local people and communities to grow fruit and vegetables, will be assisting with the project and Garden Organic are looking for Master Gardeners within the area to engage in activities in communal gardens.

The next free training weekend is in Thetford on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September and experienced food growers are being urged to register.

To express your interest, call the Garden Organic Growing Communities co-ordinator Becky Reavill on 07454 509692 or email breavill@gardenorganic.org.uk.

Garden Organic are a leading organic growing charity at the forefront of the organic horticulture movement. It has more than 20 years' experience of working in the community and delivering community engagement programmes that encourage people to grow more fruit and vegetables.

Family Action is a national organisation that provides 24 mental health, wellbeing, and therapeutic services across the country. It is currently delivering a number of Big Lottery funded projects from the Reaching Communities fund.

For more information please visit www.mastergardeners.org.uk or www.gardenorganic.org.uk.