A Hoxton community project picked up the London Local Food Hero award 2013 last Tuesday.

The Growing Kitchen Project was given the award by Dharmendra Kanini, director of England Big Lottery Fund at Wenlock Barn Estate in Napier Grove in Hoxton.

The Growing Kitchens project is run by Wenlock Barn Estate residents in the estate’s garden. They grow 20 different types of fruit and 50 different types of herbs and vegetables. They also have an apple orchard.

Up to 100 residents’ are involved in the scheme and tend the plots on a daily basis.

The project was set up initially five or six years by environmental organisation Grass Shoots.

Sarah Adams, chair of Wenlock Barn Tenants’ Management Organisation said: “We’re very very happy. It’s given us a real boost.

“Some people thought it was a rewarding day.

“A clay oven is central to our events and we cook food in it, such as pizza and vegetables.

“What makes this special is we are of all different backgrounds and beliefs.

“People from 12 countries all over the world take part so it’s very much a melting pot.

“It brings neighbours together. Everybody has shared input in to what we do. Everybody brings something different to the garden - something very special.”