A PROJECT aimed at helping Torquay children cultivate a hands-on approach to gardening has been given a £500 grant.

The Woodend Project at Mincent Hill, Watcombe, is one of nine winners of a £500 grant as part of a food company's nature campaign.

The project has three acres of land it hopes to turn into allotments, an adventure play area and wildlife zone.

Denise Lane, project leader, said: "The money will be a great help in setting out the allotment and the raised beds so the children can grown fruit and vegetables."

The Arla Food Kids Closer to Nature grants scheme opened in January to offer individuals, schools and communities grants to create spaces which encourage nature in their local area.

The entries were judged by a panel of leading nature experts including TV naturalist Chris Packham and TV presenter Philippa Forrester.

The Woodend Project's entry impressed judges with its ability to give children who have limited access to greenery the opportunity to get closer to nature.

Philippa Forrester said: "Their project is really original and creative, and it is obvious how passionately the local community feels about helping local children to access nature."

Chris Packham said: "When I was at school, I was able to engage with nature first-hand. I would catch grass snakes, go bird nesting, climb trees, go fishing, swim in the river: all these things were just part of my everyday life.

"So I am really excited by projects like the Woodend Project, which I hope will give young people in Torquay the same opportunities to engage with nature as I had."

Mike Walker from Arla Foods said they had been delighted by the level of response and interest in the scheme.

"Being closer to nature is at the heart and soul of our business and so we cannot wait to see how the Woodend Project brings their project to life."