A HIDDEN gem of Whitefield was a magnet for green-fingered enthusiasts of all ages on Sunday.

More than 275 people flocked to Eden Gardens Allotments in Derwent Avenue to pick up new tips and tricks on to get the most of their gardens.

The allotments opened in mid-2012 after Contour Homes put up the cash for a derelict patch of land to get a makeover.

Now there are 17 well-groomed plots of land bursting with fruit and vegetables - and there is even a waiting list of growers wanting to get in on the act.

"It's a little oasis in this bit of Whitefield," said Bill Smethurst, secretary of Eden Gardens Allotments Association.

"We had people coming up to us on Sunday to say that they have lived just down the road for years and didn't even know it was there. It's a hidden gem. We even sell fresh produce to the public."

Sunday was the third open day the association has held and there was a musical accompaniment from Besses Training Band while guests relaxed at a snack bar serving barbecue food.

Growers showed off their summer produce and there was a raffle, which helped raise more than £750 for Grace's Place Children's Hospice in Radcliffe.

Mr Smethurst added: "Sunday was brilliant and, luckily, the rain showers held off until we were packing up.

"It is great to have so much local support and local councillors were among those who came along.

"Quite a few people wanted to know more about us and wanted to be added to our waiting list.

"Over the last couple of years, we have donated three times to Grace's Place, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, The Pimhole Animal Sanctuary and Millwood Primary School.

"All of these are causes that one or more of us on the allotment are involved with.

"We would also like to thank Contour Homes, the landowner, for its continued support and the many local businesses that made donations towards the day."