ALLOTMENT holders in Carterton celebrated 40 years on their popular site.

More than 100 green-fingered residents took to Swinbrook Allotments earlier this month to mark 40 years since the plots first became available to the public.

Carterton councillor Suzi Coul opened the event, which included vegetable competitions, a barbecue and other festivities.

Chairman of the allotment society Richard Gardner, who has held his plot since the allotments first opened in the 1970s, talked about the excitement of life at the site.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. The things that go on - the friends you make, the fights, the squabbles - it’s like Eastenders.

“After I packed in playing cricket I now spend most of my spare time down at my plot.

“All the community worked very hard to get together on the 40th.

“I’m the only one that’s been on my plot for the full 40 years and I just hope I get another 10 out of it. Don’t worry – I’ll be there on my Zimmer frame celebrating the 50th.”

Competitions on the day included the longest bean, largest onion and tallest sunflower. A barbecue followed the judging.

The event took place on Sunday, September 4.