A "DERELICT, overgrown, dumping ground" will be transformed into a new community garden that is brimming with life.

Hardworking volunteers have been putting their hand to the plough to cultivate an area of land in Radcliffe.

They are part of a new growing group that has been established to promote community gardening and fresh food that is produced locally.

Incredible Edible Radcliffe's first major project will involve turning a one-acre plot of Bury Council-owned land in Belmont Road into a nature haven.

The team has also taken ownership of another section of council-owned land in James Street.

David Hibbs, project manager who lives in James Street, said: "I moved to Radcliffe three years ago and the area near my house looked like a dumping ground. It was an eyesore.

"With the help of Incredible Edible Prestwich, we have changed the space completely.

"We have given vegetables out to the residents at Abbeycliffe Care Home and hope to give food to a homeless charity in Bury later this year."

The group is being supported by Incredible Edible Prestwich and District (IEPAD), which was set up in June 2010, and Radcliffe Market.

IEPAD was heavily involved in helping Mr Hibbs to transform the land behind James Street.

The small oasis now features three raised planters, fruit patches including strawberries, herb beds, a pond, seating area.

In the past few weeks, the new Radcliffe group has turned its attentions to a plot of land in Belmont Road.

Mr Hibbs said: "This area had become a fly-tipping zone. We are trying to transform it into a place where the elderly can go for therapeutic gardening. We hope to build a sensory garden for the blind. It is getting the locals to look after what they have got. We are regularly getting groups of about eight people coming to help us. The group has really taken off."

Tasks such as weeding, pruning, clearing out and planting have kept volunteer members busy.

The team hopes to develop the latest plot in Belmont Road into a community garden where residents and families can relax, listen to nature and grow produce.

Incredible Edible Radcliffe is accessible for everyone, from novice growers to gardening professionals. The aim is to share ideas and experiences, to learn from one another, and to develop a popular community growing space.

In early May, organisers began to put feelers out for new members to join the group, and held a stall on Radcliffe Market to raise awareness of their work.

An official launch event was held at the market on Sunday, May 5, when Pam Warhurst, the founder of Incredible Edible in Todmorden was present. There are now more than 1,000 Incredible Edible groups worldwide.

A Facebook page for the Radcliffe group was launched on April 6 with the view to develop a following and to publish information about their meet-ups.

The undertaking at the new Belmont Road plot began on June 1, when nine people turned out to clear the area ready for planting.

The group is still looking for volunteers who can help in various capacities, from gardening, to IT, marketing, construction and the creative arts.

To get involved, contact the team via the Incredible Edible Facebook page or email iepad.volunteers@gmail.com.