'GIRL power' is growing at a Silsden allotment.

Increasing numbers of women are arming themselves with hoes and spades and getting back to nature.

Among those leading the way at the Bolton Road site are Jo Whitehead, Anna Young and Heather Murgatroyd.

They produce a mix of flowers, fruit and vegetables for the home table.

Now they are helping spread the word about the pleasures of gardening by staging a green-fingered event at Silsden Town Hall.

An expert panel will answer people's queries in a Gardeners Question Time-style event on Saturday, September 2.

The line-up includes Katie Rushworth, from Yorkshire Television's Love Your Garden series; Michael Myers, horticulture tutor at Craven College; Susan Dobson, of Yorkshire Dales Flower Company, and Pippa Chapman, of Steeton Plant People.

Chairman will be well-known local gardener John Peet, vice-chairman of event sponsor the Friends of Silsden Town Hall.

Anna said: "We have been lucky enough to arrange a wonderful line-up with a whole range of expertise available, whatever the gardening problem.

"This is a first for Silsden and we are very excited about it, especially as there is such interest right now in green issues and grow-your-own."

Anyone wishing to submit a written question before the day can do so at Silsden Library.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 2pm, are available priced £5 from Twiggs newsagent and post office.

Before the question time, there will be a plant and produce sale from noon. Refreshments will be available.