THE first batches of locally-produced garden waste are being delivered to Growing With Grace, an organic food co-operative based in Clapham.

It marks a successful milestone in a scheme that aims to use household green waste in the production of organic food for local people.

Working in partnership with Craven District Council and as part of the North Craven Composting project, the scheme has involved the distribution of more than 6,000 brown wheelie bins for the collection of green waste throughout Craven.

The contents of the bins are taken to the composting site at Growing with Grace and turned into certified organic compost through a process that takes just 16 weeks.

The compost is then broken up into the nursery soil in order to increase soil fertility and yields.

The Clapham site comprises more than two acres of organic nurseries and growing sheds, a composting site and food packaging area.

The organic vegetables grown there are distributed locally through an on-site shop and an innovative delivery service that utilises local Post Offices as distribution points.

Neil Marshall, project co-ordinator at Growing With Grace Ltd, said: "Over the last few years there has been a growing interest in organic produce as people have become increasingly concerned about the quality and freshness of the food they eat.

"By using the area's green waste to fertilise the soil we use to grow organic produce, we really are fulfilling the cycle of local food for local people in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

"We're grateful for the funding and support provided by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Craven District Council for the scheme, which now means that the residents of the park and Craven are able to make their contribution to the production of local organic fruit and vegetables.