A group of people living in the eastern part of Yeovil have rented three allotment plots to grow their own healthy food.

Members of Newtown Tenants and Residents' Association have rented the plots as part of a joint venture with Yeovil Community Development Trust and the town council.

The plots are located at Elizabeth Flats Allotment Site. Project co-ordinator Rod Curtis said: "The most effective way of improving short and long-term health is to increase healthy exercise and have a healthy diet.

"Cultivating allotment plots is seen as an excellent way of achieving that aim. It can also be relaxing and therapeutic."

It is hoped that family involvement in the project will lead to a lifelong interest in gardening and the growing of low-cost, healthy food among younger generations.

Phil Chandler, of the residents' association, said: "This is an exciting new initiative in an area of Yeovil that has been identified as lacking in community facilities and high in health needs.

"A community garden area is one way to help tackle these problems."