Community groups looking to grow their own food in under-used parts of the borough could get a share of £75,000 to help cultivate land into vegetable gardens.

Grants of between £200 and £1,500 are on offer as part of the Capital Growth scheme supported by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Anyone can apply online for the funding and the expert support and advice that comes as part of the initiative.

Mr Johnson said: “Creating lush patches of fruit and veg is catching on, judging by the enthusiastic response to Capital Growth.

“We’ve already helped to create dozens of new growing spaces at schools, housing estates, at homeless schemes and at three of the city’s universities. The scheme is helping to make the urban environment more pleasant and cared for, as well as providing a cheap, fun way to grow grub.”

For more information, log on to capitalgrowth.org/apply