Bradford could soon be producing its first banana if a project to grow unusual produce is successful.

More than 100 varieties of fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices have been planted at Bradford City Farm, Girlington, as part of an initiative to encourage healthy eating.

Produce including tropical fruit, chillies, rice and ginger is being housed inside a 20-metre polytunnel, made from polythene sheeting, to enable rare plants to grow at high temperatures.

Ben Taylor, gardener at the farm, said: "The polytunnel means we can grow crops one season ahead.

"In spring we can grow things usually found in summer and in summer we can grow exotic plants which need a tropical climate.

"But it gets very firey in there with temperatures peaking at 40C, which is the same as the Namibian desert. We have a banana plant which is doing well at the moment, but whether we'll harvest bananas is a gamble."

The new project called Health Through Food, is being carried out by the Bradford Community Environmental Project on behalf of the Manningham Healthy Living Initiative.

It was introduced to promote gardening as a way of growing fresh produce and taking part in gentle exercise.

Mr Taylor said: "It is nice to grow plants which show the cultural diversity of the local community and I certainly feel we have achieved that here.

"We have chillies, peppers, aubergines and spices for Manningham's south-east Asian community combined with Italian parsley, kohl rabi and beetroot enjoyed by the Eastern European people living there.

"The south-east Asian crops especially have brought back a lot of memories for the older generations."

Now the project will provide a useful learning resource for schools and community groups who will visit the farm to learn more about growing their greens.

Jane Robinson, of the Bradford Community Environmental Project, said: "We want to show people what can be done and hopefully inspire them to have a go at growing their own.

"It's all part of the bigger picture to make Manningham a more beautiful and productive place to live."

Produce harvested at the farm is donated to visitors.

Mr Taylor said: "We've given about 100 bags of vegetables away so far this year. We don't like to see any of it go to waste."

The farm, off Walker Drive, is open to visitors everyday from 10am to 4pm, except Saturdays.

Guided tours of the polytunnel are also available Tuesday to Thursday.

To arrange a visit call (01274) 543500.