ALLOTMENT holders are going back to their roots after more than a decade without any plots in Launton, near Bicester.

The village lost its only allotment area after a farmer reclaimed the land in the 1990s.

However, the Deeley family recently granted the parish enough land for 70 plots.

And on Saturday, villagers gathered to celebrate the official opening of the allotment site with competitions, a barbecue, entertainment and music.

Wendy Foster, of the Launton Plotters’ Allotment Association, which got the project off the ground with the help of chairman Gordon Fowler, said: “It has been a huge success.

“Everyone has been crying out for this in the village, especially with the credit crunch and people losing their jobs in the recession.

“It has given them something to do, and people seem to appreciate the value of money and food more.”

She added: “The allotments have brought the community together – people have said they are talking to people they never knew before.

“By growing their own crops, people have appreciated food more and they have been sharing and swapping surplus produce with other plotters.

“It’s an activity for all ages to be involved with and we’re pleased we now have allotments again.”

At Saturday’s celebration, land-owner Audrey Deeley cut a ribbon using a pair of gardening shears.

DIY and gardening chain Homebase sponsored the event and brought along experts to give advice on crops, composting and tackling weeds, while Preston Bissett Nurseries and Suttons Seeds gave prizes for the raffle.

The site has 70 plots, including several designated organic plots, and there is already a waiting list of more than 30 people eager to get on the land, although village residents are being given priority. Plots cost £25 a year to rent.

Launton Primary School and Bardwell Special School, in Bicester, both have plots, which will be looked after by the children.

Pupils from Launton School also designed logos for the allotment-holders’ membership cards.

Miss Foster added: “The pupils will have one lesson a week at the allotments and a committee of mothers will manage the plot to make sure it works.

“We still have a couple of plots left but we want to make sure they go to Launton people first.”