An allotment fan who has introduced many Dorchester people to gardening is hanging up his trowel.

Ken Lambert has been the allotment rep' at the Herringston Road allotment since the town council came into being in 1974 and has had an allotment in the town since 1963.

Deputy town clerk Steve Newman believes Mr Lambert must be the longest serving representative of allotment holders and says he was the 'go to' person for advice and guidance, having previously run courses on behalf of the council for new allotment holders.

Mr Newman said the only time Mr Lambert did not act as allotment rep' was when he served two terms as a town councillor between 1995 and 2003.

"Ken was never shy in coming forward to the council if he felt there was something that needed doing or there was something he felt we could do better," said Mr Newman.

Town councillors have formally recorded their thanks to Mr Lambert for his work with Mayor Richard Biggs recently presenting him with a Walnut tree which has been planted at the Herringston Road allotment site.