DISUSED land at an allotment in Baxenden is being turned into a community food growing site for youngsters and residents to enjoy.

One and a half hectares of land at Ley Farm will be given a new lease of life after being taken over by community group Growing Wild.

It will be used for education, forest school activities, and food growing.

Allotments boss Ken Moss said: "Getting mucky and learning to grow outdoors is a great way for children to spend their time and Growing Wild is doing some great work there to make this possible. This project is close to my heart and I hope to spend more time up here to see how things are going.”

The land had previously become so overgrown and boggy, due to its location on a steep slope next to the river, it was unusable.

But not-for-profit organisation Bootstrap Enterprises has now stepped in to carry out the work by using employees on work experience. The council is also involved.

Growing Wild chair Kate Mason said: "The work being carried out by Bootstrap is fantastic and will allow access for those less able, including very young toddlers and anyone with mobility difficulties."

And Bootstrap manager Mark Harling said: "The participants are using the experience to make job applications, at interview, and to gain employment."

A series of paths and access points are being installed to improve access to the site for anyone with mobility issues and parents with young children.

Raised fruit and vegetable plots have been built, with blueberries and shallots already growing, while a rope swing has been installed on a large oak tree.

A lottery application is now being prepared for an outdoor classroom and composting toilet facilities, so that the site can be used throughout the year.

Cllr Moss said: "It’s fantastic to see what improvements the Bootstrap team have made in such a short space of time, whilst gaining valuable work experience.

"The future aim is for the site to be used by families from across Hyndburn as an outdoor learning resource for the environment and food growing."

The work has been mainly funded by Bootstrap, although the council and Baxenden Area Council has also contributed.

The Princes Trust has built a wildlife friendly bug hotel and fire pit for Forest School activities, while The Free Masons East Lancashire have agreed to fund a polytunnel for food growing.