CASH to save their allotment sites from being sold for housing was cultivated when members of the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotment Association staged a fun and fundraising day.

As donations rolled in, organisers were estimating that the event was likely to net about £1,000 towards financing the association's case at a public inquiry ordered by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Allotment holders have battled for more than two years to save the plots they have cultivated for decades from being covered by new homes.

Meanwhile, council chiefs have argued that moving plot-holders to alternative land would help meet a desperate need for affordable homes, as well as protect countryside areas from development.

The battle is due to go before a government-appointed planning inspector in April.

It will be up to the inspector to make a ruling on whether civic bosses are within their rights to dispose of two allotment sites in the town.

The allotment association estimates it will need about £8,000 to cover the cost of its case and saw the fighting fund climb above the £3,000 mark after the weekend fun day at the Guide Hut in Woodside Avenue.

Attractions included a bring-and-buy sale, plants, books, cakes, chilli and sunflower growing kits, produce, a raffle and a car-wash.

Gardening advice, tours of the Woodside Avenue allotments and updates, video clips, information and photographs of the campaign were also available. In the evening, visitors enjoyed an American supper and barbecue.

The event also saw more people adding their names to the Save our Allotments protest petition - which has been running since January, 2003 - bringing the total to nearly 4,000.

Association treasurer Ted Ingram, pictured above at the event, said: "We have done very well and are being well supported by the Eastleigh public.

"About £500 was donated just in the morning and it has exceeded our expectations.

"Every penny that we are taking is going into the fighting fund."

Association chairman Tim Holzer commented: "The awareness of people in Eastleigh has undoubtedly been raised, causing people to think about how important allotments are in Eastleigh.

"If they lose these plots it will break people's hearts."