Unused and unloved gardens could be turned into vegetable patches to give city residents a chance to grow their own food.

Green Party councillor Ben Price is appealing for novices and experts to take part in Norwich Garden Share.

The hope is people of all levels will swap their spaces, knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to make better use of land across the city.

Mr Price, a Thorpe Hamlet Norwich city councillor, said: 'Anyone can join that group. I am looking at bringing people together who want to share their skills or share their space and give children and people that don't have access to garden space the chance to grow anything, whether it's ornamental or food.

'I want to get that forum up and running. If there's wasteland in an area where there are flats it would be good to get community gardens set up there.'

Mr Price, who works as a gardener, said the waiting list for allotments could be up to two years. He said: 'In Norwich, the demand is there, we just need more.' Will Giles, renowned for his Exotic Garden in Cotman Road, is leading the way by planting his first vegetables, including courgettes, in almost 50 years. Mr Giles, 60, opens his garden to the public every Sunday from June 10, and said: 'Hopefully the vegetable patch will be an inspiration to people of what they can do in a small area.'

To join Norwich Garden Share, visit www.facebook.com/groups/231291046985505/ or search for 'Norwich Garden Share' on Facebook.

Have you got a council story? Call reporter Richard Wheeler on 01603 772474 or email richard.wheeler@archant.co.uk