AN allotment aimed at helping children learn about healthy food and getting them active has been launched in Brierfield.

The Family Tree Children’s Centre, based in Nelson, is behind the transformation of the Bent Head Children’s Allotment.

Coun Nadeem Ahmed, Pendle Council’s executive member for parks and recreation, said: “It’s wonderful that these families have been getting outdoors and learning all about growing their own food.

“It’s a great way to spend time together as a family, while learning a new skill.”

The scheme received funding from Lancashire County Council’s community interest company, Proffits, which has helped to develop activities at the allotment, working alongside Pendle Borough Council and the Family Tree Children’s Centre.

The allotment’s cob oven has recently given the families the opportunity to enjoy tasting sessions from the food grown at the allotment including potatoes, sweet- corn and pumpkin soup.

Wendy Ireton, family support outreach worker at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The allotment has opened so many doors for people in East Lancashire .

“And there is a real sense of community when families and children get together to engage in some of the activities that have been taking place.

“We have started work now to prepare the allotment for winter following a harvest and look forward to seeing what the next few months bring.”

County Coun Mark Perks, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for young people, said: “The allotment shows what can be achieved with well-targeted grant funding, which has provided the seed for an excellent community project.”