Two days of barbecues and partying marked a major community effort in Stoke St Michael as villagers celebrated the success of their allotment project.

So far 13 allotments have been created thanks to land provided by farmer Mike Massey and support from the parish council.

The open days last Friday and Saturday coincided with National Allotment Week and gave the new allotment holders the chance to proudly show off the fruit of their labours to fellow residents.

On Friday the community play bus also arrived offering various activities for the children.

"The idea was to give local people the opportunity to come along and see how they could have a regular supply of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, flowers and healthy exercise in a friendly community environment," said Becky Alexander, chairman of the Stoke St Michael Allotment Group.

"Our project has been lucky enough to receive grants from the National Lottery (£10,000), Flourish Homes (£3,300), Somerset Community Foundation (£1,000), Western Power (£800) and BT communities (£170).

"Our project is still developing and we have not spent all the grant money yet, but we thought we would have our first community BBQ during the summer holidays, as it seemed a good idea to tie it in with National Allotment Week."

Becky said: "We would particularly like to say a big thank you to Mr Massey, and to John Johnston, the parish council chairman and parish councillor Stuart Batson for all their hard work and support, which has enabled this project to happen.

"We have been working towards this for a couple of years and it is great to see it all coming to fruition now."

"And we hope to get some hens soon," she added

Anyone who is keen to get on to the waiting list for an allotment can contact Becky on 01749 840345.