Gisburn residents are being encouraged to 'grow their own' in a new initiative launched by the Festival Hall Management Committee.
The 'Plot to Plate' project aims to help villagers lead healthier and happier lives through growing vegetables, herbs and fruit, learning how to cook them in imaginative ways and also learning more about food nutrition.
Sections of the Festival Hall grounds will be used for growing produce and some other areas will have flower beds
Festival Hall secretary David Waters, who came up with the idea, said:
"Most people know they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking regular exercise and having a balanced and nutritious diet. This project aims to help people do both through gardening activities and cooking and gardening workshops.
He added "There has been a lot of interest from local people in getting allotments but unfortunately there's no land available. Whilst we can't hope to satisfy that demand at least we can utilise the small plot we have, making it more productive and also more colourful and attractive for everyone's benefit."
The project also aims to help the environment generally through its emphasis on recycling and the reduction of waste. Rain water will be harvested for use in the plot and garden waste will be composted for future use. In the practical cookery workshops people will be shown how to use as much of the food as possible, thereby reducing food waste, and will recycle anything left over.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said "The plot to plate scheme is an excellent idea allowing the local community to work together to grow their own food in land that is otherwise redundant. Giving access to advice and supervision will bring expertise and will literally bear fruit. This is getting back to basics with a purpose and I am sure it will bring people of the area closer together- true community spirit."