GREEN-FINGERED residents in the Hillfoots learned the benefits to ‘grow your own’ fruit and vegetables at Tillicoultry Allotment Association open day.

Visitors enjoyed a walk around the plots and quizzing plot holders before sampling home baking.

There were plant and produce tables and a tombola stall proved popular.

Ochil and South Perthshire MP, Gordon Banks, was on hand to open proceedings and drew the raffle.

Bill McMurray, president of Tillicoultry Allotment Association, said, “On a very successful day it was great to hear so many comments praising the members and all the work that is required to maintain the site.

“Just over 90 per cent of the membership were in attendance on the day and thanks should be passed to all who looked after stalls, made the tea, provided prizes, cut the grass and hedges and helped make the day go so well, not forgetting a big thank you to Gordon Banks for his help and providing the raffle prizes.” The day raised £500 for Strathcarron Hospice in Denny.

Mr Banks said, “I was delighted to be asked to both open the event and present the raffle prizes. It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of Tillicoultry Allotments and I tried to pick up a few tips for my own garden on the way. The hard work and dedication that is put into the plots is very much in evidence and to be honest, it was a joy to visit them.”