Middleton in Bloom aims to pick up award with free fruit scheme

PEOPLE in Middleton-in-Teesdale can soon help themselves to free fruit and vegetables thanks to two planters that have been installed by the village’s In Bloom team

The pots, placed near Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School, will form part of the village’s entry into the Northumbria-In-Bloom competition in a special It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

Last year Middleton won gold in the main section of the competition, earning it the title of prettiest village in the North East.

Now organisers of the village’s entry are hoping to win even more accolades.

The planters, which include tumbling tom tomatoes, courgettes, lettuce and strawberries, were installed about a week ago.

The planters complement two herb planters, in Masterman Place and outside the Conduit Cafe, which people can also help themselves to.

Middleton-in Bloom member Pam Phillips said: “I am hoping the children will come out and their mums will encourage them to pick them, especially the strawberries. Kids love strawberries. But it’s not just for the children. It is for everyone.”

As part of the scheme, Middleton-in-Bloom has given dwarf bean seeds to the village’s Beaver pack to plant.

Cash for the planters was given to the group by Durham County Council’s It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme.

The group has yet to decide how to use the remainder of the cash.