A CO-OPERATIVE designed to give people green fingers is already bearing fruit.

The Down To Earth Co-operative, which supports gardening novices in growing their own food, went to work on the Street family's Ebley garden in March.

Now they are picking beans and expect sweetcorn to ripen soon.

"It was just a weed bed and we had to get rid of them, dig it over and dig in manure and compost," said Amanda Godber, a professional organic gardener who founded the co-op with her daughter Jordana and Stuart Major.

The Streets haven't been left to seed – Amanda returns with advice and support. When they go on holiday she'll water their plants.

"The response we have had so far is amazing," said Amanda. "We're building numbers of members and subscribers and hope to get more people on board for the next growing season."

Rachel said: "Amanda's great. I didn't know anything about gardening and now I have a supply of veg all year round."