They have been presented with a £200 Walk-a-Dile by the Stanley and Stanley Common Parish Council, who recognised the need for a safer solution to keep the two to four year-olds together on trips away from the village hall.

Previously wrist bands had been used, but the children used to wriggle out of them. So, at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the group, supervisors used a dummy one in the hope donations would help pay for one - and shortly after the parish council ordered one on their behalf.

They now have a total of four, courtesy of grants from the Early Years scheme, but manager Mandy Andrews said she was grateful the parish councillors set them on their way originally.

The Walk-a-Dile straps six children at a time in safety harnesses, and an adult can guide it using a handle at the back.

They use it to get them all safely from the village hall to their allotment near the Felix bus depot, which takes them by a busy road.

Potatoes, broad beans, radishes, strawberries and pumpkins are tended two to three times a day, and there is also a sand pit, table and chairs, books and bright plastic animals, so there is something for everyone, whether they prefer watering, putting animals in the soil, preparing to taste their fresh produce or simply getting dirty.