THROUGH a unique ‘grow your own’ scheme one local allotment owner got £1,400 worth of fresh fruit and veg donated to the people of Grimethorpe.

Mick Curphey presented the idea of the scheme to fellow members of the Grimethorpe Allotment Group last year and was instantly met with support.

Collectively, they began working on growing and potting plants that could be donated to the community free of charge to allow residents to grow their own food, and since starting last year have been giving away around £1,400 worth of plants.

Their work has been supported by Berneslai Homes, who have donated funds to ensure they can carry on.

Mick told the Chronicle: “It was just an idea that spread across the allotments.

“If you think of tomatoes, you’ll get about 70 seeds but only end up using ten plants and then disregard the weaker ones.

“So we thought about all those plants that could be potted and given away.

“Lots of people are asking for an allotment but the waiting list is quite lengthy.

“We’ve got the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many people, so if we’ve got plants that can be grown at home that would be a great help.

“Why are we throwing them away if they can still be used?”

This eco-friendly approach to supporting those affected by the crisis was celebrated by locals, and is something Mick hopes to see continue grow.

“We’ve had some problems this year because the strawberries aren’t doing well,” Mick added.

“That’s just to do with the weather being as it is, otherwise we want to grow year on year.

“We’ve got to look at what can grow in people’s gardens - some plants will only grow in greenhouses so that’s not much use.

“Chillies which are a wonderful example because you can put them on a windowsill and you’ll get some beautiful flowers and some chillies at the end.

“We want to work with Grimethorpe’s foodbank bus in the future - they could give plants away which will hopefully help people grow more.”

For his work organising this wider project, he has been nominated as a Green Hero at this year’s Proud of Barnsley by community development officer, Darryl Hand.

He said: “We’re always looking for groups to be more sustainable and what Mick and the rest of the people at the allotment have done just ticks all the boxes.

“People these days can’t afford food, so I think what they’ve done has been incredible

“It’s encouraging people to grow their own and take a bit more control of their spending.

“Mick demonstrates real community spirit at a time when cost of living is high and people need it the most.”