AN ALLOTMENT in Dorchester has been given a new lease to live thanks to a dedicated band of young volunteers.

A group from the National Citizens Service scheme have been helped to improve an allotment area in Allington Road in the county town.

The community allotment project was set up by the Friendship Club and Volunteer Centre Dorchester so groups can come in and use the facility and the NCS youngsters have been pitching in to get it all ready.

The organisations see gardening as a great therapy and also a good way to make new friends for those that are socially isolated.

Lisa Dixon from the Friendship Club said: "A retired lady has kindly offered part of her allotment area so people can learn about weeding, nurturing plants and to meet up with others."

A spokesman for the Volunteer Centre Dorset said: "These young volunteers from the NCS have been working hard all week making the area accessible and manageable for those with disabilities.

"We are looking forward to creating networks of support as well as building lasting community connections.

Team leader Darren Cobb said: "The NCS Group, affectionately known as the Goonies, selected the Friendship Club as their chosen charity to raise funds. The fundraising included, a cake sale, car wash and sponsored walk raising just over £1,000.

"This enabled the team to provide a makeover for the allotment at Allington Avenue.

"We were able to purchase a garden seat, two raised beds, and pave selected areas around the site.

" All of this was overseen by our friendly scarecrow ‘Sebastian’.

"As with all community projects lots of hard work as well as support is needed therefore many thanks to Gould’s Garden Centre, Gibbs and Dandy, Mole Valley, Doonan and ECO sustainable solutions, without whose support this would not have been possible."

The team members also expressed their own thanks to Darren and Hannah for making the project so much fun and the Friendship Club and Volunteer Centre for the opportunity.