A group of environmentally-conscious OAPs have set up a sustainable vegetable patch on their back garden.

The 10-strong gardening club from Pollard House, in Kingsmead Avenue, Worcester Park, led by resident Douglas Boucher, 76, uses rain water collected on two massive barrels with taps at the bottom to grow vegetables, fruit and a rose garden.

About 18 months ago Hanover Housing Association told them they could use any spare space they had.

Pollard house residents decided to move the clothes lines from a large area they had and put two water barrels to collect rain water.

They even got raised beds to allow the keen gardeners to work standing.

Mr Boucher said: “It’s a hobby to a lot of people and some people can’t move very well and that’s why we have the raised beds.

“We already planted our first seeds and the tomato plants are ready to plant when the frost goes.”

The green-fingered pensioners were funded with £300 by the housing association, which they used to buy seeds and materials for the project.

Mr Boucher said: “We keep all the bills and we even have a secretary, someone to enter the expenses on the book.”

Although only 10 Pollard House residents are part of the gardening club, whatever grows on their eco-vegetable patch is for the benefit of the whole community.

Mr Boucher said: “The whole thing belongs to the whole estate. We plant for everyone.”

To raise money in the future for seeds and maintenance, the gardening club will be running jumble sales and raffles.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk