PRODUCING your own fruit, vegetables and flowers is a growing activity among the residents of South Littleton.

While some areas have lost the plot, the demand for allotments in the Vale village has doubled in the past three years and there is now a waiting list for anyone wishing to rent a site.

This week is National Allotment Week and enthusiasts, their associations, councils and the Government want to cultivate even more interest in the past-time.

Allotments have been part of the UK landscape for a century and reached the height of activity in World War II when people were urged to "Dig for Victory". They began to decline in the 1950s with greater affluence and convenience shopping, which led many people to stop growing their own food. This meant that some allotments became under-used and neglected.

However the Allotments Regeneration Initiative - a partnership of national groups concerned with growing food and gardening - is aiming to nurture new interest in the activity and has, to date, dished out £500,000 on allotment regeneration.

Treasurer of the South Littleton Allotment Association, Diana Wilson, explained: "We have 22 plots in South Littleton and they are all taken. Three years ago we had 50 per cent occupancy and now it is 100 per cent."

"The situation has improved over the past 12 months because funding from the Allotment Regeneration Initiative has enabled us to install water on our allotments."

Mrs Wilson said more women, especially young professionals, and young people were getting involved - The Littletons School now has its own allotment in the grounds.

"Most people love gardens and growing things. Our oldest member is in his 80s and one family became involved because their two boys, aged about 10 and 12, were interested. People also bring their grandchildren to the allotment. It is great to see that."

She added that the benefits of working an allotment included having fresh and often organically produced fruit and vegetables, it provides good exercise, relaxation and enhances the community spirit.

Allotment holders often swap seeds and the fruits of their labours or pass on excess produce to family and friends. Some just grow vegetables, some fruit and vegetables and others have flowers too.

"People help each other out and chat. It is very convivial and it is a joy having the youngsters there. Our allotments are not just for people now but for the future," said Mrs Wilson.

South Littleton's allotments are owned by Wychavon District Council, which sub lets them to the parish council. The parish council then charges £20 per year per plot and collects the rent. Water charges are extra.