A new group of raised flower beds at Hamilton Lane allotments have been officially opened by Exmuoth Mayor Sandy Sutton.

The raised beds have been designed to help people who want to work in an allotment, but find it hard to bend down to work in a conventional bed.

They were built after the Exmouth and District Allotments Association, which runs the site, received a grant from Exmouth Town Council.

They took six months to build, share a mutual shed and have paved surrounds for easy access.

At the opening ceremony, the Mayor was presented with a bouquet of dahlias grown by association chairman John Patrick.

She then opened the plots by cutting a ceremonial carrot, which replaced the traditional rope.

The beds have all been let already, with Exeter Road Primary School, Alexandra House, the Doyle Centre and an ex-plot holder with mobility problems having signed up.

Because of the demand, the association says that more raised beds could be built.

Association secretary Arthur Anderson said: “It would be possible to introduce more in the future, as we have spare land on another part of the site, however that would be a committee decision.”

The association has 476 plots in total, and there is currently a waiting list of around 12 months.

Application forms to join the waiting list are available from the town hall, Exmouth Library, both site sheds and online at www.edaa.org.uk.