GREEN-FINGERED Iwade allotment-holders have taken runner-up place in a countywide competition, despite their group only coming into existence in April.

The allotment association took second place in the environment category at the Kent Village of the Year Awards.

Spokesman Joan Exley said there was already a four-year wait to take up a plot at the end of Elm Tree Avenue, which members lease from Swale Council.

She added: "We are absolutely ecstatic. It's amazing what people have achieved in such a short time. We waited so long for the land and, when we got it, it was just a field.

" We didn't even have running water on the site until August."

The success of the project is thanks to the hard work and commitment of residents, says Joan, adding: "Nicola McKenzie, who publishes the village website, entered us in the village of the year competition, having been involved from the beginning.

"I joined the committee two years ago and I've been involved with fundraising. The parish council supported us to get water on site and we've had grants from Mayor of Swale Ben Stokes and the county council."

Joan said that the allotments were helping to strengthen community spirit in the village, which has grown enormously in the past few years.

She said: "They've just started building another 400 houses and we need something for the community.

"We've got parks for the children, but the village hall is too small, so the allotment is a place people can come together.

"I've met people from the other end of the village who I wouldn't normally come into contact with. Last month we organised a social gathering and barbecue and we've kept one plot in the centre free for a community hut – but that's a plan for the future."

Members are now working to introduce future generations to the green heart of their community.

Joan said: "It's lovely to see the different age groups coming together – grandparents bring toddlers and share their plots.

"We are looking forward to seeing the children from Tinkerbells Nursery in the spring.

"They've already got a shed and there are plans to build a 'bug palace' for the children."

The association says work is still needed to finish the car park and plant hedges but the community is already enjoying the fruits of members' labour.

Joan said: "It's been a lot of work, but we're getting there. It's lovely to see people growing pumpkins for Hallowe'en and enjoying the fresh air."