AN INNOVATIVE scheme to provide free fruit and vegetables for the community is being launched in Guiseley this weekend.

The public is invited to take part in the ‘Instant Garden Event’ being staged by newly formed group Incredible Edible Aireborough.

The group is asking young and old to come along and help plant herbs and vegetables so that they can be harvested for free later on.

Incredible Edible Aireborough will launch its new civic venture on Sunday at Guiseley Farmers’ Market, with the help of the Station pub, where the market is held.

The group of volunteers has been formed under the leadership of Becky Mears, after they heard a talk by a similar group based in Todmorden, at a festival organised by Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum in February 2015.

“We want to encourage people to think about where their food comes from and be inspired to eat seasonal veggies, buy local food or grow their own,” Becky said.

“We want to see community land used for growing community food. We believe anyone can get involved and learn more about growing food from the very young to the old.”

IE Aireborough decided to launch their scheme at the Guiseley Farmers Market, and The Station Pub agreed to support them by building planters for an edible garden in the car park. The wood for the planters was donated by Woodlands DIY of Horsforth.

Now the group is inviting as many people as possible – and especially children – to come along and help with the planting. Youngsters will also be encouraged to take seeds to grow at home.

The Instant Garden Event will take place from 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

All the seeds and seedling are being donated by individuals, groups and businesses. Anyone who wants to make a donation should take it to the Station pub.

Email the group at indredibleaireborough@gmail.com or follow them at facebook.com/IEAireborough for more details.

The town is also treated to free vegetables by Guiseley in Bloom which has its own designated planters where the public can help themselves to produce.