BUDDING gardeners will be digging this Valentine's Day to create the first community orchard in Todmorden.

Everyone wishing to get involved in the planting session is invited to join members of Incredible Edible Todmorden as they plant apple, pear, plum, hazelnut trees and bushes and shrubs such as rhubarb, currants, black berries and lingonberries this Saturday from 10am onwards.

Nick Green said it will be an all day event and people can come along to help out at any time during the day but warned that wellies are essential.

"People can come along and plant a tree and we will be putting people's names on a list, if they want, so they can take ownership of their tree. We are right at the beginning of the planting season so if we don't get it all done in one day it's not a problem. We will be taking note of what we are planting where and hopefully we can work out what works and what doesn't on the edge of the Pennines," said Nick.

"The area is south facing so all the snow has gone and I don't see a problem planting this weekend. We've had a lot of help from the probation service, who have cleared a lot of brambles for us. I think they've enjoyed it and hopefully we can get them involved in the planting as well next time."

The community orchard has been made possible thanks to a grant of 7,250 from the Community Foundation for Calderdale and a grant from Calderdale Council for a large multi-purpose tent, which will be used by the group for other outdoor events.

Refreshments will be available for helpers. Drivers are advised to park on Burnley Road, near Todmorden High School, and walk up Stoney Royd Lane.

Nick was also pleased to announce that the group had been given the go-ahead for a second small community orchard on a strip of land between Woodlands Avenue and the park in front of the houses.

"We've had a lot of positive response from the residents in the area after we sent out a questionnaire.

"There is room for about 20 to 30 small fruit trees there."