Richard BatsonFamilies living near a Norfolk stately home are being offered a slice of its historic walled garden - and a shovel full of gardening expertise to cultivate their green fingers.Richard Batson

Families living near a Norfolk stately home are being offered a slice of its historic walled garden - and a shovel full of gardening expertise to cultivate their green fingers.

Eight novice gardening families have the chance to grow fruit and vegetables at Felbrigg Hall near Cromer.

It is part of a National Trust scheme to inspire people to buy eat and grow more sustainably-produced local food.

They will be given seeds and tools, and the help of a part-time gardener for a full year.

The only payback for being able to enjoy the fruits of their labours is to share the experience others - either chatting to visitors while tending the plots, by updating information boards, or online via Twitter, Facebook, or a Felbrigg blog.

Head gardener at Felbrigg Tina Hammond said some space had been allocated in the walled garden and greenhouse - and funding secured through a government Greener Living project.

'All we need now are families ready to get stuck in,' she added, hoping their efforts would inspire others to have a go at home.

Families of up to eight people - including cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles - had to live within five miles of Felbrigg and be gardening novices.

The hall's gardening team would support the venture through workshops and practical advice from preparing the ground, mulching, composting and planning through to seed sowing, crop care, fruit pruning and glut management.

Interested families should send details of who they are, their family group members and contact details including phone number by e-mail to GrowingTogether@nationaltrust.org.uk or post to Growing Together, Felbrigg Hall, Felbrigg, Norwich, NR11 8PR.