FoodSmiles vegetable growers in Harpenden held a celebration to mark their 10th anniversary.

Outgoing Mayor of Harpenden Cllr Fiona Gaskell and her consort Philip visited the group at Hammond End Farm, heard memories of former members and were given a tour of the site.

Mayor Gaskell blew out the candles on the anniversary cake alongside the newest and longest-standing members.

Herts Advertiser: Mayor Cllr Fiona Gaskell attended the anniversary celebrationMayor Cllr Fiona Gaskell attended the anniversary celebration (Image: FoodSmiles)

FoodSmiles has been renting the site from farmer Stuart Roberts, and previously his father Howard.

Before the group took over 10 years ago, the site was just a field and some dilapidated polytunnels, but now there are four polytunnels, a packing shed and tool shed, 31 strips for growing vegetables and a wildlife pond.

Membership has held steady over the years, and the vegetables have continued to be harvested regularly, even throughout the Covid lockdown restrictions.

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As well as from this original site, members of FoodSmiles are now promoting vegetable growing at the 'Incredible Edible' sites in Russell Avenue and outside the Alban Arena in St Albans.

There is also a sister FoodSmiles group based in Hixberry Lane, St Albans.

The anniversary celebration was Mayor Gaskell's final visit to an event before the end of her term in office.