A VILLAGE which has been shocked by the loss of its allotments could be offered use of ground for new ones - by the owners of its former school buildings.

Skipton florist Victoria Hollings and her partner Jamie Kelley recently bought Langcliffe School, which closed in 2007, with the eventual aim of transforming it into a family home for themselves and their two daughters.

And the plot has adjacent grounds which, Victoria said, could be ideal for allotments use.

Victoria, who jointly runs Berries Florists in Skipton with Jamie, said they had realised that the land could be ideal when they heard that current allotment holders were being thrown off their plots by Langcliffe Estate.

Victoria said: "We are looking to get a 'change of use' for the school to turn it into a home. We were as surprised as anyone when we heard about the allotments situation, but we think we can help the village. We estimate there is enough land for about five or six allotments and we would be happy to let the community use it."

The couple will be throwing open the doors of the school in an open day on Saturday, noon to 4pm, and the event will include a floral workshop from 1pm.

Victoria said: "We are very much hoping to run floral and craft workshops in the future if everything goes to plan, which will help to bring new life into Langcliffe."