A GREEN fingered couple have found a way to reduce their expenditure in the recession - by growing their own vegetables.

Lai Lok and his wife Judy work hard throughout the year, planting all kinds of fruit and vegetables.

Since they started their allotment at Meadow Row, Epping eight years ago, they said they have seen an increasing number of people following the trend.

Mr Lok, 72, said: "Lots of people have allotments now, it's become very popular, especially with young people. It's a good way to save money but also it keeps you fit. My wife is 71 but she can still manage. You also have organic vegetables to eat throughout the year."

The pensioners from Coronation Hill, Epping, have an award winning allotment which they use to grow Chinese vegetables, which are difficult to buy in the supermarkets.

Mr Lok said: "My wife does most of the work and she plants vegetables such as pak choi, choi sum and black bean. Everyone is always interested in the vegetables she grows there."

The pair use thrifty ways to save money by freezing their produce to use throughout the year.

It was their good use of the plot which secured their win in Epping Town Council's allotment awards for three years in a row.

Mr Lok said: "We won £20 again this year which we will put back into the allotment to buy more seeds. There’s no secret to our success, we work hard. Well, Judy does."