Volunteers are being urged to dig in to help their community.

Kirklees Council is backing the Big Dig, a nationwide drive to encourage people to join community food growing projects.

Huddersfield and Dewsbury are among 16 towns and cities across England taking part.

Volunteer sessions are being held tomorrow at Thornton Lodge Community Centre, Thornton Lodge (10am-12noon); Growing Newsome at Stirley Farm, Newsome (10am-12noon); Sprout Gardening Club, Cliffe House, Shepley (11am-1pm); Chickenley Community Centre, Dewsbury (10am-2pm); and Manor Gardens, off Manor Way, Staincliffe, Batley (10.30am-1.30pm).

At the sessions volunteers can learn about preparing raised beds, sowing vegetable seeds and planting fruit bushes.

Clr Jean Calvert, joint Cabinet member for health and well-being, said: “We are really excited about the difference that Big Dig volunteers will make to our community gardens in Kirklees.

“Working with your local community or creating your own space to grow fruit and vegetables is good for your health and well-being and volunteering is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

“We want more people to experience the benefits that come from community gardening.”

The event is being supported by celebrity gardener Alys Fowler who said: “Two thousand new people took part in the Big Dig Day last year. This just shows that there is plenty of interest and enthusiasm for community growing.

“I hope the Big Dig Day will yet again encourage new people to find out about their local community garden and get involved.”

For details of how to volunteer see www.bigdig.org.uk/kirklees .

Volunteers are asked to bring along tools and gloves if they have them.

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