A FORMER Youth MP is looking to start a community food-growing scheme in Pendle.

The Incredible Edible scheme started in Todmorden in 2007 and has since blossomed into a national project involving groups across the country.

Now Fisher More High School pupil Jack Cooke, who used to represent Pendle in the Youth Parliament, is launching a scheme for the borough.

The group has already written to primary schools in Pendle to drum up support and recently held a meeting with local businesses involved in the Pendle Networking group.

The next step is to find places to grow fruit and vegetables, and anybody who knows of such areas of land that could be used are encouraged to get in touch with the group via their Twitter page, @EdiblePendle.

Jack said: “The idea is to encourage people to grow and buy local. I’m hoping we’ll have lots of ‘edible gardens’ around Pendle where people are able to help themselves to the crops once in season. Hopefully they’ll share their creations with others to build friendships in the community as well as making the area look more appealing.”

County Coun Christian Wakeford, who represents Pendle West, has offered his backing to the group.

He said: “I’ve been looking for a community growing scheme like this for quite a while so this is ideal.

“I’ve spoken to Jack about it and offered my support to the group.

“I would be happy to help with it. Schemes like this are very popular.

“We have all seen the rise of food banks recently and a grow-your-own food scheme where people can contribute and help makes a lot of sense and could help a lot of people.”

Pam Warhurst, co-founder of the Todmorden scheme, visited the Youth Parliament last year to talk about the benefit of Incredible Edible.

After that talk, Mr Cooke visited the Todmorden scheme to see first-hand how it worked.