A WHEELBARROW of garden-grown goodies will become a regular fixture outside a primary school.

The Vegtastic barrow was the brainchild of Alresford parish councillor Joan Coates, who wanted to distribute her own produce and that of her neighbours and friends.

She approached Diane Boyd, a community builder based at Citizens’ Advice Bureau Tendring, with the idea.

Mrs Boyd then contacted Janet Meacock, headteacher at Alresford Primary School, who agreed to join in with the project, which is designed to promote healthy eating in young families.

The Signpost charity, based in Jaywick, runs a carpentry course for school pupils and they constructed the barrow to hold the veg.

Clacton’s Sainsbury’s store also donated carrier bags for families to take the food home in, plus healthy recipe cards.

Mrs Boyd said: “It’s all about promoting healthy eating to young families and encouraging young people to eat more fresh produce. The launch today was a fantastic success. The stall was overflowing with donations.”

Volunteers will distribute free seasonal produce, dependant on availability, to the parents of children who attend Alresford Primary School every Friday at 3pm at the school gates.