Covid: How have allotments helped people during the pandemic?

During the coronavirus pandemic, waiting lists for an allotment have swelled. The BBC visited one site to find out what these small patches of land mean to those who cultivate them.

Hidden at the end of an easily-missed grass and gravel track, you might never know the Lexden allotments in Colchester existed.

Take the turning, however, and a vast oasis of lovingly tended soil awaits.

There are more than 100 plots here and the diversity of the allotmenteers reflects the richness and variety of the vegetables, fruits and flowers they grow.

For plot-holders during the pandemic, these allotments have delivered health, company and fresh food to sustain them both physically and mentally.

Former soldier Lazarus Kaunda, 40, arrived…