NEWTON Aycliffe residents can discover the joy of gardening at a free horticultural event this week.

The Pioneering Care Centre is inviting people of all ages to get stuck into simple gardening tasks at its community garden from 10am to 1pm on Friday, March 21.

It is part of the Big Dig, the nation’s biggest community garden volunteering scheme.

As well as gardening activities, the event will feature refreshments and the chance to make a seed pot.

Volunteers can also chat to horticultural specialist, Howard Leslie, who will deliver the Pioneering Care Partnership’s new project Pot to Plate, from Wednesday, April 2.

The 16-week course, funded by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership, will offer practical hands-on experience in growing a variety of vegetables, cultivating fruit and herbs and much more.

For more information about the course or the Big Dig event contact 01325-321234 or enquiries@pcp.uk.net