PRESTON'S allotments are the best, according to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.

Preston has been named the best town of its size for providing and publicising allotments, with 543 gardening plots covering almost 50,000 acres of land.

The NSALG, a national organisation representing allotment interests, awarded Preston the Acland trophy -- for local authorities with more than 100,000 population.The competition was judged on facilities, promotion of allotment services, costs, occupancy, consultation with tenants and the authority's policy and management system.

Staff at the council's parks section are delighted with the trophy.

Leisure services chairman councillor Harold Parker said: "I am absolutely delighted that the council's endeavours have been recognised.

"Staff from the parks section work very hard, in partnership with others, to ensure tenants receive the very best possible service."

Promoting the allotment service via the Flower Fair and Family Fun Day was an essential factor in securing the award. The increasingly popular show allows allotment holders to display their produce to the public.

Parks manager Nigel Conway added: "It is very satisfying that all the work we put into maintaining the town's allotments has been recognised.

"The fun day in Moor Park is the highlight of the allotment calendar and many thousands of people take part in the event."

Keen to keep the number one slot, the parks department are publishing a leaflet and will put up notice boards at the entrance to all allotment sites.

Improved compost treatments, water safety schemes and regular clean-ups involving the local community are also planned.

Anyone interested in running an allotment should call 203456.