An urban orchard needs more volunteers to help provide affordable fruit for people in the district.

Bowling Park Community Orchard has become an integral part of the community since it put down roots last March in a bare patch of ground in Bowling Park allotments.

The urban oasis, which was planted by Bradford Environmental Education Service (BEES), now boasts 40 fruit trees, including apples, pears and plums, and volunteers are growing gooseberry and currant bushes to share with other gardeners.

Julia Pearson of BEES, which is part of Bradford YMCA, said: "This is the first year we will have fruit so it will be shared out among the people and groups who have been involved in the orchard.

"But in the future we are looking at talking to Helping Hands, a food co-op in West Bowling which offers fresh food to the community at discounted prices."

The orchard is hosting a series of family activities to give people a chance to find out more about how they can help.

"We are establishing a Friends of Bowling Park Community Orchard group and are very keen for more people to get involved," said Miss Pearson.

Care worker Nick Haines, 46, of Elizabeth Street, Little Horton, has been a volunteer at the orchard for 19 months.

He said: "The majority of planting is now done, so we are tending the area and learning how to prune trees. People can learn more about trees and you look forward to meeting other volunteers.

"I live in a flat so using the orchard and BEES provides me with a chance to keep my hand in."

The orchard is funded by Bradford Council's Community Funding Unit and the Anti-Crime Partnership.

Environmental welfare officer Shagufta Sharif said: "It was totally bare when the orchard started. Now there are trees, a seating area and a path. People can come into the orchard and walk around and look at the trees.

"It needs more volunteers to help with weeding and the practical upkeep.

"The volunteers range from children to pensioners and it's a good way to meet people.

"We hope people will come along and start seeing it as their allotment so they will come and help to look after it."

Visitors can take part in treasure hunts and a mini beast hunt, try their hand at outdoor cooking, planting wild flowers and making a bench as well as art, craft and nature activities.

The orchard is open between 1pm and 6pm today and tomorrow and on Friday from 10.30am until 3pm.