You report that workers at Oxford City Primary Care Trust are discussing ways to entice people to rent allotments as a way to stay healthy, indeed being in talks with GPs to prescribe the renting of plots to their patients (Oxford Mail, February 28).

What a refreshing idea, and certainly one we might ask Abingdon Town Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council -- and maybe health professionals -- to promote more vigorously than they do.

You published a photograph of a whole family involved.

Not only do older members benefit from the exercise, but it is vital for their future health and outlook that our younger generation come to have a better understanding of the importance of fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables.

A local plot is easy to obtain through our town councils and, in some cases, new applicants can have a first year rent free. What could be a better bargain?

JOHN ENTICOTT

Bostock Road

Abingdon