A REVOLUTIONARY chef has proved he has a fresh approach to cooking by creating a community garden.

Glen Duckett, who is originally from Clayton-le-Moors, has reopened the Eagle and Child, in Whalley Road, Ramsbottom as a social enterprise.

The 33-year-old is now attempting to transform an acre of land adjacent to the pub into an ‘incredible edible’ beer garden for community use.

He is working closely with Incredible Edible Ramsbottom to complete the project which will see fresh fruit and vegetables grown on site.

Glen said: “I have been involved with community gardens and horticultural projects previously and they represent a fantastic way of bringing community and local businesses together.

“As well as creating a fantastic growing space for the local community to use, I want to ensure the fresh fruit and vegetables grown are used in the restaurant at the Eagle and Child. The term locally sourced produce can’t get much more local than our own back garden.

“The garden and the pub restaurant will provide a quality dining experience where the whole family can learn more about the food they are eating and how to grow it in our Incredible Edible beer garden.”

The concept which focuses on Pennine Lancashire and Yorkshire, will operate as a training academy for at least 60 young people aged 14 to 25 in the next five years.

The Eagle and Child is a unique business concept that aims to help young people not in education or training, get back on to the road to success, by gaining qualifications and work experience.

While working in the kitchen or in the bar employees work towards vocational qualifications which will help them gain future employment in the catering industry.