Fresh crops from the wilderness

Work begins on the Adam Street Allotments in Abertillery

Green fingered students have transformed an overgrown plot in south Wales into a blooming vegetable garden.

Residents have restored the Adam Street community allotment in Abertillery to its former glory assisted by students from Coleg Gwent in Pontypool.

Youngsters on the Independent Living Skills course built greenhouses, fixed a scout hut and erected benches.

Catherine Lloyd of the allotment association said: "We are thrilled with the work the students have been doing."

"The allotment is now thriving, and people have said it's even better than it was originally!" she added.

Job well done - allotment manager Ray Lloyd thanks students Russell Owen and Jack Lawson

The site is now filled with flowers, vegetables and fruit including broccoli, celery, peas, leeks, cabbage potatoes and strawberries.

Student Jack Lawson, 19 from Abergavenny said: "I've really enjoyed working on the allotments in the fresh air. It's given me more confidence and I've learnt a lot about the different tools and growing plants."

Tutor Ingrid Sourbutts of Coleg Gwent was pleased the students could put the skills they'd learnt on their course to practical use.

"The allotment presented a fantastic opportunity for the students to get involved in the local community," she said.

"The project has helped to develop their skills in many different areas including communication and team working."

Local residents hope the students will assist in future plans to plant a fruit orchard and encourage further biodiversity at the site.