Old lorry container gets a new lease of life at allotment

Allotment holders at one east London site will be buying their onion sets, seed potatoes, compost and fertiliser from the back of a lorry in future.

This is because their new trading hut is a 30ft container that once travelled the motorways around Britain - but has now been refitted by volunteers and will remain stationary in Ilford.

The container, minus its wheels of course, now houses an office, shop and serving area, while a sheltered space outside provides somewhere for members of the Seven Kings & Goodmayes Allotment Society to have a cuppa and a chat. Electricity is provided by car batteries and solar panels.

Allotment holder Jane Nagelkerke, who oversaw the five-week project to refurbish the new trading hut, said: "I want to thank all the members who helped, their dedication and enthusiasm surpassed anything I hoped for. We are delighted with the results and hope to serve all our member from our new trading hut for many years to come."