Budding gardeners invited to adopt a planter to grow their own fruit and veg

Ten planters are available to adopt on the community orchard in Cato Street which is currently being developed by the Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations (SARA) project and the community.

Vicki Neal, community engagement worker for the SARA Project, said: "We know there are lots of green fingered residents in Southwick who would love to grow their own fruit and vegetables but who don't have their own garden, so this is a great opportunity to have a go.

"We've got 10 large planters donated by the council and repainted by Springboard Futures available for adoption.  So we'd urge anyone who is interested to get in touch."

The land in Cato Street, where the planters are located, is being brought to life as a community orchard after not being used for more than 20 years by local residents and the SARA project.

The project, which is based at Austin House in Shakespeare Street, Southwick, brings together Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Adult and Children's services, housing, education and health partners to rejuvenate Southwick, and help support residents in the area.

Anyone interested in adopting a planter can find out more by contacting Vicki Neal on 07867156667.

To find out more about the SARA project follow @LetsTalkSARA on Facebook and Twitter.