Growing veg fun and cheap

Growing your own fruit, veg and herbs can be a cost effective way of having fun, it has been suggested.

According to a recent study, residents in some areas are so desperate for somewhere to carry out the task, selected allotments have reported waiting lists of up to 40 years.

More than 83,000 are hoping to get their green fingers on an allotment and have put their names down, with average delays of three years, according to the research from insurance firm LV=.

However, it estimates the number of people wishing to access the nations 200,000 plots could be in the region of six million.

"Its a cheap, fun pastime that also means you get nice food at the end of it," explained Soil Association spokeswoman Clio Turton, adding it was a good way to save money on buying food.

She said the fact people could get a "great harvest" while enjoying their hobby made it a popular activity.