Allotment holders in Aireborough are celebrating after the group they belong to was accepted to display at the Chelsea Flower Show in May.

The Leeds and District Allotment Gardeners’ Federation has just received official acceptance to create an allotment garden at this year’s show, in the discovery section in the pavilion.

Members say the demonstration allotment garden will have a similar theme to last year’s display The Techno Allotment Garden, with additional innovations.

LDAGF publicity officer, Rawdon parish councillor Phil Gomersall said: “This is a great opportunity to promote nationwide, our wonderful and healthy activity of allotment gardening and all the benefits it has to offer, fresh fruit and vegetables, physical exercise, fresh air, new friendships, social cohesion and much more.

“The whole Federation was elated at the news but even more so were the volunteer allotment gardeners directly involved in the shows, who are extremely excited by the news and looking forward to the challenge.”

Last year the group enjoyed huge successes at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show and the Great Yorkshire Show with their demonstration allotment garden displays, achieving Best in Show, Large Gold Medal and Champions Certificate.

Coun Gomersall said it would be an extremely busy year for the Federation, as they still intended to create new allotment gardens at the Harrogate Show in April and the Great Yorkshire Show in July.

He said creating a garden at Chelsea was going to prove expensive and the Federation would welcome any sponsorship.

Anyone who can help is asked to e-mail t publicity.ldgf@gmail.com or on 07527 484545.