gardeners in Kingsteignton are getting the chance to grow their own at last after minerals firm Sibelco answered their call for allotments.

In 2009 the firm was approached by the Kingsteignton Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Society.

A couple of potential sites were identified and Abbrook emerged the winner thanks to the proposed B3193 re-alignment which has released land no longer suitable for farming.

It is also close to the Teign School farm unit which Sibelco has provided.

A ten-year lease has now been agreed and, in addition to weeding, spraying, ploughing and levelling the land, Sibelco has installed gates and fences.

The result is 36 allotments and the first crops should be harvested this summer.

Acting society chairman Sue Phillips said: 'The members are very enthusiastic and pleased that they have finally got an allotment after what for some has been a long wait.

'It is a joy to see young and old working alongside one another sharing ideas and tips.

'Our thanks go to Sibelco for making this possible and to those councillors who helped in the early stages by making the introductions to Sibelco.'

With all 36 plots taken anyone else wanting a patch of land will have to approach the town council.

'We have decided that as an association we will not keep a waiting list as this could disguise the true picture to the council of the need for more land to be sourced,' said Mrs Phillips.

'If a plot becomes vacant we will let the clerk know so that they can advise the person at the top of the list to contact us.'

Gary Stringer, Sibelco's UK director of resources, said: 'We've worked closely with the allotment association to secure what will undoubtedly prove to be a great facility for the local community.

'I'm delighted that all the time and effort that has gone into finding a workable solution has come to fruition and we look forward to seeing the project develop over the coming months and years.'