POTENTIAL gardeners were so impressed when they turned out for an open day at one of Bexley's allotment sites they snapped up 25 plots on the spot.

The event, at the Harland Avenue, Sidcup, attracted 100 visitors who were given guided tours and information about the site by more than 50 plotholders.

They were also met by Bexley Council cabinet member for the environment Councillor Gareth Bacon who encouraged people to take up allotment gardening.

The event saw the number of empty plots at the site halved.

Assistant site representative Steve Soler-Gomez said: "To sign up so many plotholders as we did, in one day, is a real achievement."

During the day, plotholders were presented with awards for the best allotment and the best newcomer by Cllr Bacon and Bill Row, chairman of Bexley Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.