A social enterprise aiming to increase the supply of organic food in Redbridge is due to open a new educational site in Barkingside.

Starting from September, people will be able learn about growing their own organic fruit and veg on a patch of land off Horns Road, Ilford.

Toni Dipple, the founding director of Organic Ilford CIC, said: “Our aim is to provide locally sourced organic vegetables across Redbridge from small scale farms.

“By buying and producing locally you are helping to support the community and environment."

Along with educating the public, social enterprise Organic Ilford have been offering a selection of locally produced jams, chutneys, eggs and freshly picked fruit and vegetables since May this year.

They now have over 40 regular customers with three collection points across Ilford.

Toni and her volunteers received a £6000 grant in June from Transform and Redbridge Council to create the education site in Barkingside.

The Organic Ilford box scheme has been guided by the Growing Communities Start-up Programme, which works with groups across the UK to help set up community-led box schemes.

Kerry Rankine, Assistant Director at Growing Communities said: “We’re really delighted that the scheme has taken off in Ilford.

“Toni and all the volunteers are really doing an amazing job,” she added.